Lab Specialist/ Lab Specialist Intermediate

at  University of Virginia

The Spencer Lab in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology at the UVA School of Medicine (https://med.virginia.edu/mic/faculty/?facbio=1&id=1728042) is seeking a Lab Specialist or Lab Specialist Intermediate. The Spencer laboratory is focused on molecular mechanisms of Type VII secretion in Group B Streptococcus and the impact of effector secretion on the microbiota as well as host barriers and immune responses. These projects involve aspects of bacteriology, immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. The successful applicant will be part of a multidisciplinary team assembled to investigate the consequence of the GBS T7SS on bacteremia/meningitis as well as on colonization of the female genital tract using cellular and animal models of colonization and disease. The ideal candidate will have experience or willingness to utilize cell culture and animal models of infection, as well as the ability to work well in a highly interactive, creative, and collaborative environment. Anyone with interest in bacterial pathogenesis and/or host-pathogen interactions is encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to candidates with a background in biochemistry, microbiology or immunology.
Research activities will include, but are not limited to western blotting, cloning, and cellular and animal models of infection and colonization. Additional duties include laboratory organization, purchasing, maintenance of molecular inventories, and biosafety. The position requires frequent use of scientific literature, appropriate experimental documentation, data analysis, clear data presentation, a collaborative attitude, and participation in group project meetings. Additional requirements include attention to detail in experimental work and record keeping, ability to handle multiple assignments, self-motivation and eagerness to acquire new skills. This position is ideal both for those seeking a long-term research scientist position, and for those seeking experience in preparation for doctoral-level research programs. The chosen candidate will have the opportunity to co-author manuscripts that will be peer-reviewed for publication in premier scientific journals.
Starting salary of $36,000 – $41,000 is being offered for Lab Specialist and $45,000 – $50,000 is being offered for Lab Specialist Intermediate based on experience. Please include a cover letter summarizing your past experience, research interests and career goals, in addition to your CV and contact details for at least three letters of recommendation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (STEM field preferred)
• Lab experience: 2 years for Specialist, 4 years for Specialist Intermediate. (4 or 8 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree for Specialist and Specialist Intermediate positions, respectively).
• Prior experience with animal work is preferred but not required
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Willingness to mentor junior members of the laboratory

• Construction of plasmid expression vectors using PCR, Gibson assembly, plasmid miniprep purification, and sequencing.
• Bacterial transformation and generation of bacterial mutants
• Western blotting analysis of proteins from cell lysates and supernatants.
• Cellular and animal infection models
• Maintenance of animal breeding colony
• Data documentation, and analysis using LabArchives, GraphPad Prism, Geneious Prime, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other software as needed.
• Maintenance of laboratory stocks and solutions.
• Laboratory organization.