Job location: Charlottesville, VA

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2021-02-18
Req: R0022156
Lab Specialist employees provide technical lab support by performing complex lab and research related tasks. They act as specialists on 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 on work processes and policies.

The Department of Biology at the University of Virginia seeks a Laboratory Specialist to oversee and conduct daily operations in the Parichy Lab (http://dparichy.as.virginia.edu/) fish facility, which maintains over 150 genetic stocks of zebrafish and related species in state-of-the-art aquatic housing comprising more than 1800 tanks.

The position requires:

• daily checks of fish health and mechanical systems

• animal husbandry including feedings

• maintenance and upkeep of fish-related infrastructure

• continuous culturing of live food (rotifers)

• routine maintenance of genetic stocks

• cryopreservation of sperm

• screening of stocks for induced mutations and transgenes

• selecting progeny for specific traits

• inventory and ordering of fish-related supplies

• packaging of fish and other materials for delivery to other laboratories

• management of undergraduate student helpers

• monthly scheduling of fish related care conducted by research personnel

• testing and development of new protocols related to fish and live animal husbandry

• adherence to federal, state and laboratory specific animal care and use guidelines and oversight of other researcher activities to ensure compliance with such guidelines

• periodic presentations of fish related activities as they relate to on-going research efforts in the laboratory

• training of new personnel in fish and live animal husbandry, breeding of fish by natural and in vitro fertilization, methods of cryopreservation

• periodic updating of written documentation described laboratory standard operating procedures.

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

This full-time position will remain open until filled.

Anticipated pay rate is $18 - $20/hr

This is a restricted position contingent on continued funding.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Process for External Applicants: Please apply through Workday, and search for “BIOL - Parichy Lab Specialist”. 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 “BIOL - Parichy Lab Specialist”. 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. Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field preferred.

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

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge of care of tropical fish or other vertebrates

• The ability to learn and perform routine maintenance on large, multi-tank, self-contained aquatic habitats, as well as learn how to perform a basic mechanical inspection of the aquatic system

• The incumbent must be an observant individual so that possible problems with the habitat systems, or any signs of poor health in the animals can be addressed.

• The ability to follow set lab policies and procedures and adhere to regulatory guidelines in daily work

• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work independently, part of a team, and provide direct support to leaders as needed

• Dexterity for precise handling of small objects and small volumes

• Preference will be given to candidates with at least one year of prior work experience in animal care or veterinary settings, but candidates with knowledge of fish and job experience in service, retail or other areas are encouraged to apply.

• Knowledge of zebrafish or other tropical fish is strongly desirable.

• Familiarity with FileMaker

Licensure: None

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, 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.