Lab Specialist, Tsai Lab - Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics

The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks a Lab Specialist for the Tsai Lab.

The Lab Specialist will investigate how mitochondrial calcium transport proteins regulate cardiac physiology and contribute to heart disease, with a focus on the immune cell populations (e.g., cardiac macrophages and T cells) that infiltrate and remodel the heart in disease states. Using genetically engineered mouse models, the Lab Specialist will characterize immune cell composition and tissue distribution through flow cytometry, whole-mount and frozen-section immunofluorescence, and multiplex immunohistochemistry, and will apply single-cell RNA sequencing to profile immune-cardiac crosstalk. The role also includes establishing primary immune cell/cardiomyocyte co-culture systems and supporting molecular analyses (qPCR, western blotting) of mitochondrial calcium signaling in immune cell function. Training in CRISPR/Cas9-based mouse model generation and iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte work will be provided.

Lab Specialist employees provide technical lab support by performing complex lab and research related tasks. They act as specialists on research methods and equipment functions specific to investigations. They have the authority to adapt methods and procedures to meet the needs of research. They are distinguished from Lab Technicians by the types and duration of assignments, as well as the skills and expertise necessary to serve as resources on non-routine problems. Lab Specialist employees perform daily activities without supervision; their longer-term assignments require greater oversight. Lab Specialist employees often train others on work processes and policies.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Specialize in immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry, and confocal imaging methods specific to the lab's research. Demonstrate expertise in troubleshooting problems and recommending solutions. Perform a variety of tests requiring a high degree of proficiency.

• Assist in evaluation of research methods, procedures, and techniques based on established objectives.

• Perform mouse handling and tissue/organ harvesting for immune cell isolation and histology, and may assist with small animal surgery.

• Provide basic assistance to researchers in manipulating, computing, and analyzing data (e.g., flow cytometry, imaging, single-cell RNA sequencing) using specialized software. Evaluate experiment results using statistical and multivariate analyses. Research, compile, and maintain complex statistical, numerical, and computerized reports.

• Perform library and literature research.

• Assist in instructing lab members in immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, histology, imaging methods, and lab safety.

• Explain work instructions and may adapt general methods and procedures in order to meet the needs of the research.

• Assist in training other staff members on procedures.

• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in life sciences or a related field preferred.

• Experience: 1+ year of relevant lab experience required, including hands-on experience with mouse models, immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence/histology. Background in immunology strongly preferred.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $18.50 - $20/hour, commensurate with education and experience.

Physical Demands: This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Also requires keyboarding and other bench work and animal procedures requiring finer finger manipulation.

This position will not sponsor applicants already in the US for work visas. This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.

This position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia.This is a full-time benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed health screen is required for this position.

Application Process:

Please apply online, and search for R0085472. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV/Resume

• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not receive full consideration.

References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process.A minimum of three are required.

For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, js9rk@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.