Lab Manager, Charlton Lab - Pediatrics

UVA Health•Charlottesville, VA

5d•$45,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia’s Department of Pediatrics is seeking a Lab Manager for the Charlton Laboratory, which conducts research focused on kidney development, neonatal kidney disease, and the long-term consequences of early-life kidney injury. The successful candidate will support laboratory research and have experience with animal models, histology, and molecular biology, as well as willingness to learn or prior experience working with human biospecimens. The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and a commitment to mentoring trainees. The position may be filled at either the Laboratory Specialist or Laboratory Specialist Intermediate level. It is full-time, benefited, restricted based on continuation of available funding, and based fully on-site in Charlottesville, Virginia. Compensation depends on level, education, and experience: Laboratory Specialist compensation is $21.63–$26.44 per hour ($45,000–$55,000 annually), and Laboratory Specialist Intermediate compensation is $55,000–$65,000 annually. The role includes research using animal models and human biological samples; laboratory and specimen management; experimental support; compliance responsibilities; and training and collaboration with laboratory members and research partners. The position can involve extensive periods standing and squatting, along with keyboarding, bench work, and animal procedures requiring fine finger manipulation. Background checks and health screenings will be conducted for new hires. Candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future will be considered.

Requirements

For the Laboratory Specialist level: bachelor's degree required, though a combination of experience, education, or certification may be accepted in lieu of a degree.
For the Laboratory Specialist level: at least 1 year of relevant laboratory experience.
For the Laboratory Specialist Intermediate level: bachelor's degree required.
For the Laboratory Specialist Intermediate level: at least 3 years of relevant experience.
Experience with animal models, histology, and molecular biology.
Willingness to learn or experience working with human biospecimens.
Excellent organizational and communication skills, careful attention to detail, and commitment to teamwork and mentoring trainees.
Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize responsibilities, meet deadlines, and work independently while communicating regularly with the research team.
Professionalism, integrity, reliability, and respect for colleagues and research participants.

Nice To Haves

Experience with laboratory animals, including handling and basic experimental procedures.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Interest in teaching, mentoring, and working with undergraduate students, graduate students, medical trainees, or other learners.
Willingness to learn new techniques, troubleshoot experiments, and adapt to changing project needs.

Responsibilities

Perform animal research procedures, including animal handling, monitoring, breeding, genotyping, tissue collection, and maintaining accurate study records.
Conduct histologic studies, including tissue fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
Perform molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, potentially including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and quantitative PCR, protein isolation, Western blotting, ELISA, and sample preparation for sequencing or other assays.
Process, catalog, store, and analyze human biospecimens in accordance with approved protocols and institutional safety and regulatory requirements.
Maintain laboratory notebooks, electronic databases, specimen inventories, and animal records.
Assist with experimental design, protocol development, troubleshooting, data collection, analysis, and presentation.
Maintain laboratory equipment, monitor supply inventories, prepare reagents, and coordinate ordering.
Support compliance with animal care, biosafety, human-subjects research, and other institutional requirements.
Train and supervise students and other laboratory members in research techniques, laboratory safety, recordkeeping, and responsible conduct of research.
Collaborate with the principal investigator, research staff, students, clinical collaborators, and other laboratories to advance shared research goals.
Contribute to abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and grant-related materials as appropriate.