Lab Specialist Intermediate, The Spencer Lab

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

4d•$50,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Spencer Lab in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology at the UVA School of Medicine studies molecular mechanisms of Type VII secretion in Group B Streptococcus (GBS), including how effector secretion affects the microbiota, host barriers, and immune responses. Its multidisciplinary research examines the effects of the GBS T7SS on bacteremia and meningitis and on female genital tract colonization, using cellular and animal models. The work encompasses bacteriology, immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. The Lab Specialist Intermediate will conduct research activities including western blotting, cloning, and cellular and animal models of infection and colonization. Other duties include laboratory organization, purchasing, maintaining molecular inventories, and biosafety. The role requires use of scientific literature, careful experimental documentation and record keeping, data analysis and presentation, participation in group project meetings, and collaboration with the lab team. The successful candidate will be attentive to detail, able to handle multiple assignments, self-motivated, and eager to acquire new skills. The position may suit someone seeking a long-term research scientist role or research experience before doctoral-level study. The candidate may have the opportunity to co-author manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. This is a benefited, restricted position dependent on funding and is fully on-site in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
At least 3 years of relevant experience.
Attention to detail in experimental work and record keeping.
Ability to handle multiple assignments.
Self-motivation and eagerness to acquire new skills.
Ability to work well in an interactive, creative, collaborative environment.
Must be able to work fully on-site in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Candidates requiring immigration sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field preferred.
Six years of laboratory experience for Specialist Intermediate; 9 years of lab-related experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.
Background in biochemistry, microbiology, or immunology preferred.
Prior experience with animal work is preferred but not required.
Willingness to mentor junior laboratory members.
Experience or willingness to use cell culture and animal models of infection.
Interest in bacterial pathogenesis and/or host-pathogen interactions.

Responsibilities

Construct plasmid expression vectors using PCR, Gibson assembly, plasmid miniprep purification, and sequencing.
Perform bacterial transformation and generate bacterial mutants.
Conduct western blot analysis of proteins from cell lysates and supernatants.
Use cellular and animal models of infection.
Maintain the animal breeding colony.
Document and analyze data using LabArchives, GraphPad Prism, Geneious Prime, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other software as needed.
Maintain laboratory stocks and solutions.
Organize the laboratory.
Support purchasing, molecular inventory maintenance, and biosafety.
Use scientific literature, document experiments, present data clearly, and participate in group project meetings.