Job location: Charlottesville, VA

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2021-01-12
Req: R0020986
Lab and Research Technician 1 employees focus on performing routine research tasks and developing skills. They assume routine to moderately complex technical support for research projects. Work is routine and can be performed with some degree of independence when following established protocols and procedures. Lab and Research Technician 1 employees perform tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Neural Circuit Assembly & Plasticity Laboratory (NeuroLab) led by Dr. Adema Ribic at the UVA’s Department of Psychology is seeking a motivated and meticulous Laboratory/Research Assistant. NeuroLab uses in vivo electrophysiology, 2-photon imaging, viral and anatomical tools to study mechanisms that guide functional development of visual circuitry (more information at https://ribicneurolab.com/). This position entails planning and execution of research experiments, management of research animal colony, management of laboratory inventory and supplies, as well as training other lab personnel. The successful candidate will work directly with the Principal Investigator (Dr. Adema Ribic) on identifying the molecular mechanisms of learning using in vivo 2-photon imaging and will ideally be able to commit to a minimum of 2 years.

Ribic NeuroLab offers collaborative environment within Gilmer NeuroSuite that neighbors 5 other systems neuroscience labs, with a strong focus on hands-on laboratory training and mentorship. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who wish to pursue a graduate degree in science, or other science-related career paths, and we strongly encourage applications from women and other groups historically excluded from STEM to apply.

Qualified applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Life Science, Molecular Biology, and similar, and at least one year of experience working in a laboratory setting (includes experience gained during undergraduate studies: 2 semesters minimum). The successful candidate must have excellent record-keeping, as well as written and oral communication skills, and be motivated to learn new laboratory and data analysis techniques. Qualified candidate will also have strong problem-solving skills, be able to work both independently and in a team, and meet short deadlines. Preference will be given to candidates experienced in animal work (especially rodents), microscopy (epifluorescent, confocal or 2-photon), cell/tissue culture or electrophysiology (cell, slice or in vivo), and data analysis.

Job Description

In this position, successful candidate will:

• Plan and execute in vivo neuroscientific experiments
• Conduct mouse surgeries and spend a significant fraction of time handling live mice
• Fully document procedures for each experiment and ensure data quality
• Follow laboratory and institutional guidelines and protocols
• Report to the Principal Investigator and be responsible for the supervision of other trainees
• Prepare data for presentations and present data at weekly and monthly meetings in front of different scientific audiences
• Continuously improve skills, both through literature searches and reading, and through collaborations with neighboring laboratories
• Adjust work schedule according to experimental demands
• Successfully perform under pressure, in a high-pace environment, and be able to meet frequent deadlines
• Help formulate research methods, suggest options for improving quality, identify potential problems, recommend solutions, and collaborate in the development of new techniques
• Independently operate equipment and perform laboratory techniques. May explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations and outcomes
• May help author material for publications. May participate in presentations with Principal Investigators (PIs) at meetings or conferences
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Process for External Applicants: Please apply through Workday, and search for “Psychology - Ribic Lab Tech 1”. Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).

Process for Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs”, and search for “Psychology - Ribic Lab Tech 1”. Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).

For questions about this position or the application process please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System and the University Physician’s Group 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, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Life Science, Molecular Biology, similar field strongly preferred. Coursework in Sensory and Behavioral Neuroscience, Quantitative Methods in Psychology and related data analysis are preferred. Strong computer and spreadsheet skills, and the ability to carefully analyze large data sets.

Experience: Experience: At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experience. Bachelor's degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

Licensure: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position is both standing and sedentary job involving extensive use of laboratory equipment and desktop computers. The job does occasionally require working outside of regular business hours, as well as walking some distance to attend meetings. The job may require national long-distance travel to attend conferences.

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 (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.