Lab Assistant, BIOL - Federal Work Study in Fins and Limbs Lab

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

1d•$13 - $16•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking highly motivated students to assist with animal husbandry and lab maintenance in the Fins and Limbs Lab, under the supervision of Dr. Sandy Kawano in the Department of Biology. Our lab studies the functional morphology and comparative biomechanics of animal locomotion, with an emphasis on fish and salamanders. Student workers must pay special attention to safety, animal welfare, detail in record keeping, and time management. Strong communication skills are a must, with the ability to communicate problems to the supervisor and other lab members. This position provides an opportunity to learn about comparative anatomy and physiology, and gain transferable skills for the workforce (e.g., data entry, literature review, problem solving, effective communication, time management). Work hours are flexible but may require some availability on weekends and university breaks. The student will perform basic laboratory duties such as maintaining clean and safe workspaces, care for and monitor the health of research animals, conducting inventory of lab supplies, maintaining or updating lab records and protocols, and performing other related duties as needed. Candidates who demonstrate proficiency in basic laboratory duties may have the opportunity to join specific projects being completed in the lab, assist with data collection and analysis, participate in fieldwork, and assist or train other students. Some of the research projects will include collecting high-speed videos of animal locomotion, processing and analyzing micro-CT scans of muscles and bones, measuring the material properties of bones, and studying muscle function and anatomy in fishes and salamanders. Special projects or other duties may be assigned related to specific departmental needs. Please contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Sandy Kawano ([email protected]), with any questions about this job opportunity. Applicants must qualify for the Federal Work-Study program and have prior experience working with live vertebrate animals (e.g., fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals). Successful candidates may work up to 20 hours per week but must commit an average of 10 hours per week and actively participate in a weekly lab meeting (date and time will be coordinated with other lab members). We are particularly interested in applicants with backgrounds in biology, anatomy, physiology, veterinary science, or related fields. Start and end dates The position is open from January 12, 2026, to May 8, 2026. Wage rate or range The hourly pay rate will range between $13.00 - $15.98 and will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s relevant qualifications and experience. To apply for this job opportunity, please submit the following: Resume or curriculum vita, Unofficial college transcript(s) and a Cover letter that addresses: Why are you applying? What qualifications and experiences prepare you to succeed in this job? The names and email addresses for two professional references. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment. In 1819, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia and inaugurated a bold experiment. Two centuries later, Jefferson’s vision thrives. Across Grounds - and throughout the world - UVA students, faculty, staff and alumni challenge convention, break barriers and pursue the greater good. The University of Virginia is made up of eleven schools and affiliated foundations in Charlottesville plus the College at Wise in Southwest Virginia. The University of Virginia Health System is a renowned academic medical center committed to providing outstanding patient care, educating tomorrow's health care leaders and discovering new and better ways to treat diseases. The University's Medical Center, School of Medicine and Physicians Group are recognized for their excellence in patient care, education and research. At UVA, we offer a rich collection benefits, which have long been recognized and valued for their comprehensiveness and competitiveness in the market. In addition to a robust array of traditional benefits such as health care, time off, and retirement, UVA offers a comprehensive list of benefits and services to help staff and faculty meet their personal and family needs.

Requirements

pay special attention to safety, animal welfare, detail in record keeping, and time management
Strong communication skills are a must, with the ability to communicate problems to the supervisor and other lab members
Applicants must qualify for the Federal Work-Study program
have prior experience working with live vertebrate animals (e.g., fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals)
Successful candidates may work up to 20 hours per week but must commit an average of 10 hours per week and actively participate in a weekly lab meeting (date and time will be coordinated with other lab members)
Resume or curriculum vita
Unofficial college transcript(s)
Cover letter that addresses: Why are you applying? What qualifications and experiences prepare you to succeed in this job? The names and email addresses for two professional references

Nice To Haves

backgrounds in biology, anatomy, physiology, veterinary science, or related fields

Responsibilities

maintaining clean and safe workspaces
care for and monitor the health of research animals
conducting inventory of lab supplies
maintaining or updating lab records and protocols
performing other related duties as needed
assist with data collection and analysis
participate in fieldwork
assist or train other students
collecting high-speed videos of animal locomotion
processing and analyzing micro-CT scans of muscles and bones
measuring the material properties of bones
studying muscle function and anatomy in fishes and salamanders
Special projects or other duties may be assigned related to specific departmental needs