Laboratory Research Operations Assistant
About The Position
The Connelly Laboratory at the University of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Laboratory Research Operations Assistant to join our interdisciplinary research team. This position is ideal for candidates interested in gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of molecular biology, neuroscience, and animal behavior. The Connelly Lab conducts cutting-edge research in translational neuroepigenetics, with a focus on how DNA methylation and gene regulation shape brain development, behavior, and health across the lifespan. Our work integrates molecular biology, genomics, imaging and animal models to understand how early-life experiences—particularly birth interventions—impact the oxytocin system in mothers and offspring. We are a well-funded, collaborative, and highly productive lab, offering opportunities for meaningful scientific contribution and professional development. Learn more at www.connellylab.com. Position Overview The Laboratory Research Operations Assistant will work closely with Professor Jessica Connelly and lab members to support both research execution and laboratory operations. This role combines molecular biology, imaging, and animal behavior research, and lab management, making it ideal for candidates seeking a broad and immersive research experience. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining an active animal colony, generating molecular data, collecting imaging data and supporting experimental workflows, while also contributing to the overall functioning of a dynamic research environment.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least 1 year of laboratory experience (including undergraduate research); Bachelor’s degree may substitute for experience
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in a life science discipline
- Experience with rodent models and animal handling
- Background in animal behavior analysis
- Experience with dissection and/or small animal surgery
- Familiarity with DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, or molecular biology techniques
- Experience with cell culture
- Experience with neuroimaging pipeline design and analysis
Responsibilities
- Maintain and manage a small animal breeding colony, including daily husbandry
- Conduct and record behavioral observations and analyses
- Assist with small animal surgical procedures
- Perform tissue collection, processing, and biobanking
- Isolate and analyze DNA and RNA from tissues and cells
- Assist with cell culture and molecular biology workflows
- Assist with confocal and other imaging modalities, including neuroimaging
- Maintain accurate, detailed experimental records and ensure data quality
- Manage laboratory inventory, reagents, and supplies
- Ensure compliance with institutional animal care and safety protocols
- Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants
- Support general laboratory operations, including organization, maintenance, and workflow optimization
- Contribute to manuscripts, grant preparation, and scientific presentations
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Direct mentorship from the PI and senior scientists
- Opportunities for authorship on scientific publications
- Experience contributing to grant writing and experimental design
- Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences
- A collaborative, intellectually engaging lab environment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
