The Tak Lab in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, is seeking a Laboratory Specialist to explore the molecular evolution of antiviral immune signaling systems in bacteria and humans. This position is ideal for candidates who are excited to discover novel molecular machinery and immune pathways that organisms use to defend against viral infection in an exciting new field at the interface of microbiology, immunology, and biochemistry. The chosen candidate will work closely with the PI to study novel bacterial immune systems and how they sense and neutralize infection by bacterial viruses (bacteriophages).

Research activities include, but are not limited to bacterial growth assays, molecular cloning, PCR, nucleic acid isolation, bacteriophage infection assays, purification of recombinant proteins for biochemical and structural analysis. Additional duties include laboratory organization, purchasing, maintenance of molecular inventories, and biosafety. The position requires frequent use of scientific literature, appropriate experimental documentation, data analysis, clear data presentation, a collaborative attitude, and participation in group project meetings. Additional requirements include attention to detail in experimental work and record keeping, ability to handle multiple assignments, self-motivation and eagerness to acquire new skills. This position is ideal both for those seeking a long-term research scientist position, and for those seeking experience in preparation for doctoral-level research programs. The chosen candidate will have the opportunity to co-author manuscripts that will be peer-reviewed for publication in premier scientific journals. Preference will be given to candidates with a background in microbiology or biochemistry.

Starting salary of $36,000 – $45,000 is being offered based on experience.

Prospective candidates will provide a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree (preferably in a STEM field)

Experience: 2 years of experience. 4 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Prior experience with molecular cloning or biochemistry is preferred.

Responsibilities:

Construction of plasmid expression vectors using PCR, Gibson assembly, plasmid miniprep purification, and sequencing.

Bacterial transformation, growth assays, and bacteriophage infection assays.

Growth and infection assays using 96-well plate microplate reader.

Western blotting analysis of proteins from cell lysates.

Molecular biology and protein biochemistry assays as projects evolve. 

Data documentation, and analysis using LabArchives, GraphPad Prism, Geneious Prime, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other software as needed.

Maintenance of laboratory stocks and solutions.

Laboratory organization.

TO APPLY:

Please apply HERE, and search for requisition.

Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile and search “Find Jobs,” and search for requisition R0066133.

Complete a candidate profile online; attach a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references.

Incomplete applications will not be given consideration.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Eric Allen, Academic Recruiter, at uth9qh@virginia.edu.

Physical Demands

This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments. Also requires keyboarding and other bench work requiring finer finger manipulation.  

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.