The Department of Biology at the University of Virginia’s College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, seeks applications for a full-time laboratory technician to support the research of Dr. Sarah Kucenas. In the Kucenas Lab, we are fascinated by the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive glial development and focus on the role of glial-glial and neural-glial interactions during both development and after injury. Using zebrafish (Danio rerio), coupled with genetic and pharmacological perturbation, single cell manipulation, laser ablation, small molecule screening, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq), proximity proteomics, and in vivo, time-lapse imaging, we have discovered novel glial populations, revealed how glia communicate in several unique contexts, and created many new tools for our studies and the broader community. Our approach to science is to “chase the weird” with a goal of continuing to reveal the complex and essential roles of all things glia!

The technician will work directly with Dr. Kucenas and members of the lab to support projects ongoing in Gilmer Hall. They will assist with animal husbandry, carry out experiments related to various projects in the lab studying the role of glia in neural development, aid in data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and grant submissions.

Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Prepare media and reagents for general molecular biology techniques

• Maintain zebrafish lines

• Culture bacteria and isolate DNA for injections

• Utilize techniques including in vivo imaging, immunohistochemistry, RNA in situ hybridization, and image analysis

• Record accurate information and logs of experimental data

• Support lab members with collection and analysis of data

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: College degree by time of hire

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to effectively incorporate feedback

• The preferred candidate will have experience in molecular biology, zebrafish husbandry, in vivo imaging, image analysis, and data quantification, and glial biology.

Physical Demands: This position includes spending time standing and sitting while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Also requires keyboarding and other bench work and animal procedures requiring fine finger manipulation.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $19.00–$21/hour, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

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

• This is a two-year 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.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0081838. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter explaining your previous lab experience and goals

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: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

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.

For questions about the position, please contact Sarah Kucenas at sk4ub@virginia.edu

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Speth at js9rk@virginia.edu.

About UVA and the Community

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

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.