The University of Virginia, Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, in the School of Medicine, is seeking a Intermediate Lab Specialist to work in the lab of Dr. Mami Taniuchi. The focus of Dr. Taniuchi’s lab is developing PCR-based assays to detect pathogens in stool and wastewater for the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, poliovirus, and multiple enteric pathogens. Previous experience in these or related areas are recommended.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct analyses and support laboratory operations, including protocol development and equipment maintenance.
• Coordinate and assist with testing, experiments, and evaluations of research methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Update, maintain, and troubleshoot public health dashboards and data visualizations for government and public health organizations.
• Provide data analysis support using statistical software tools such as R, UNIX, and Python.
• Assist in developing new research strategies and experimental techniques alongside Principal Investigators and senior staff.
• Train research staff on procedures; may supervise students or volunteers.
• Support data collection, intake, and tracking of research results.
• Facilitate and coordinate international research projects and collaborate with global partners.
• International Travel: A significant aspect of this role involves coordinating and training international collaborators, particularly in low- to middle-income countries; the ability and willingness to travel abroad for extended periods is essential to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. This role is expected to travel internationally up to 30-50% of the time to Bangladesh, Uganda, and other countries.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s degree.
Experience: 4 years of experience. Master’s degree may substitute for required experience. 8 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working the in a field environment in low- to middle-income countries is a plus.
• Ability to read, write, and speak Bangla is a plus.

This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance. This position is located in Charlottesville, VA but requires regular international travel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position can spend extensive periods of time standing, bending, and/or crouching while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Animal procedures, keyboarding, and other bench work require finer finger manipulation. This position requires 30-50% international travel.
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. This is an 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 is based in Charlottesville, VA; however, please see the section on international travel in the above job description. To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

• Conduct analyses and support laboratory operations, including protocol development and equipment maintenance.
• Coordinate and assist with testing, experiments, and evaluations of research methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Update, maintain, and troubleshoot public health dashboards and data visualizations for government and public health organizations.
• Provide data analysis support using statistical software tools such as R, UNIX, and Python.
• Assist in developing new research strategies and experimental techniques alongside Principal Investigators and senior staff.
• Train research staff on procedures; may supervise students or volunteers.
• Support data collection, intake, and tracking of research results.
• Facilitate and coordinate international research projects and collaborate with global partners.
• International Travel: A significant aspect of this role involves coordinating and training international collaborators, particularly in low- to middle-income countries; the ability and willingness to travel abroad for extended periods is essential to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. This role is expected to travel internationally up to 30-50% of the time to Bangladesh, Uganda, and other countries