The Tianpeng Zhang Laboratory, in the Department of Radiation Oncology at University of Virginia, seeks to hire a Lab Specialist to study the genome integrity maintenance within repetitive genome regions. The incumbent will perform proteomics, biochemical and genetic studies to unravel how DNA replication and repair through the complex secondary structures present in the tandem repetitive sequences and shed light on their associated etiology and therapeutic vulnerabilities.

Lab Specialist employees provide technical lab support by performing complex lab and research related tasks. They act as specialists in 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 in work processes and policies.

Responsibilities:

• Specialize in lab and/or other research methods and equipment functions specific to Principal Investigators and/or labs. Demonstrate expertise in troubleshooting problems and recommending solutions. Perform a variety of tests requiring high degree of proficiency.
• Assist in evaluation of research methods, procedures, and techniques based on established objectives.
• Provide basic assistance to researchers in analyzing data using specialized statistical computer software. Evaluate experiment results using statistical and multivariate analyses. Research, compile, and maintain complex statistical, numerical, and computerized reports.
• Assist in instructing lab academic sections in lab methods, procedures, and 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 Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree.
• Experience: 2 years of experience. 4 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular biology, cellular biology, and bioengineering
• High throughput screening experience
• Flow cytometry, particularly FACS sorting
• Previous experiences on cell culture, molecular cloning

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.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

This position has a term limit of 2 years after which continued employment will depend on department need and funding.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after September 21, 2025.

Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0076487. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.”

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Tianpeng Zhang, at zjv8au@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, at sxv9zv@virginia.edu.

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