The Brandebura lab, at the University of Virginia School of Medicine Department of Neuroscience, seeks candidates for a Lab Tech/Lab Specialist varying levels depending on experience. The Brandebura Laboratory studies astrocyte dysfunction in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders like Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease. We are focused on how to target astrocytes, and their signaling to other glial cells and the vasculature, to improve neuroinflammation, blood-brain-barrier and synapse dysfunction. We utilize mouse models and primary cell culture to test biological mechanisms.

Responsibilities

The candidate will perform duties such as:

Animal colony and protocols: The candidate will manage the animal colony, perform genotyping and keep an accurate and detailed record of the mouse census. In collaboration with Dr. Brandebura, the candidate will make requested changes to the animal and biosafety protocols.

Lab Inventory and Stocking: The candidate will be responsible for creating lab inventories of available reagents, stocking the lab, ordering supplies and prepare solutions and buffers.

Conducting and analyzing experimental data: In addition to the duties, the candidate will be required to work on collecting experimental data, including microscopy imaging of brain slices, cell culture experiments and behavioral analysis on mice. Prior experience with mouse handling is desired, but not required. The candidate will absolutely be required to work with mice so the candidate must be open willing to do this. The candidate will also participate in analysis of the collected data and will be required to present this data in lab meetings. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required. Experience with statistical analysis and graphing software is a plus.

Optimization and maintenance of lab protocols for use by all lab members: Under the supervision of Dr. Brandebura, the candidate will optimize and archive lab protocols for later use and will be required to keep a detailed and accurate lab notebook that others can follow.

Collaboration and training: Importantly, this lab will consist of multiple trainees at all levels, from undergraduate to postdoctoral fellows, and so the ideal candidate must be willing to work as a team, create an inclusive environment and be willing to train new lab members on existing protocols in the lab.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Experience: At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experience required.

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.

Position Type & Work Location

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

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

About UVA and the Community

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

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after March 2, 2026.

Additional Requirements

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

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0080934.

Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

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.

Reference Check Process

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.

Contact

• For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.