The Zhang Lab at the University of Virginia Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics within the School of Medicine seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Lab Specialist at the entry level, intermediate or senior level. The lab specialist performs and assists with laboratory management and experimental procedures in Dr. Tian Zhang’s laboratory. The Zhang lab focuses on development and application of advanced mass spectrometry technologies on target identification and drug discovery in cancer biology.

Employees provide increasingly complex technical support for projects and may engage in increasingly complex scientific experiments. May handle more sophisticated administrative and logistical tasks. Research employees operate under supervision with a degree of independence when following set protocols and procedures.

What you will do:

• Perform laboratory experiments that include cell culture, mass spec sample preparation and maybe mass spec instrument maintenance.

• Coordinate and participate in a variety of routine technical duties by providing assistance to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, undergraduate students, and staff.

• Order supplies and equipment for the lab and maintain an organized system of operation.

• Participate in weekly group meetings and assist in evaluating research methods, procedures, and techniques, based on established objectives.

• Assist Principal Investigators and senior staff in developing new strategies and techniques for mass spectrometry-based method development.

• Facilitate collaborations with other laboratories.

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

The laboratory specialist position is open to candidates with varying levels of experience. Salary will be commensurate with level of position.

Requirements for Lab Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree.

• 3 years of experience. 6 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Requirements for Lab Specialist Intermediate:

• Bachelor's degree.

• 6 years of experience. Master's degree may substitute for required experience. 9 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Requirements for Lab Specialist Senior:

• Bachelor's degree.

• 9 years of experience OR a Master's degree and 4 years of experience. 12 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Strong attention to detail

• strong problem-solving skills and be able to work independently and as part of a team

• previous research experience with mass spectrometry instrumentation and data analysis are preferred

• The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check and health assessment per University policy.

This is a restricted position and continuation will be dependent on availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check and health assessment per University policy.

To Apply:

Please visit UVA job board: https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and search for “R0051497”

Complete an application online and attach the following:

• Cover letter summarizing your pass experience, research interests, and career goals.

• CV/Resume.

PROCESS FOR INTERNAL UVA APPLICANTS: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs”, and search for “R0051497"

Review of applicants will begin August 18, 2023 and the position will remain open until filled.

***Please note that you MUST upload ALL documents into the CV/Resume box. Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration. ***

For questions about the application process, please contact Rhiannon O’Coin, Senior Academic Recruiter, rmo2r@virginia.edu

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see  www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville  and https://embarkcva.com/

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.  

The University of Virginia, i ncluding 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 (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.