Senior Lab Assistant

University of Virginia

27d•Onsite

About The Position

The Brodie Lab at the University of Virginia seeks a Senior Lab Assistant to provide technical and administrative support for an evolutionary biology research group. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining colonies of experimental insects and culturing fungus resources for experiments. This position involves residential fieldwork at the Mountain Lake Biological Station during the summer months that includes observational sampling in all weather and sometimes at night. The successful candidate is responsible for: Database management including data collection, entry, analysis, presentation, and analysis and transcription of video records of behavior. May work with and troubleshoot machine learning apps for image and video analysis. May assist with construction of husbandry and experimental chambers using basic carpentry skills. Other special tasks may include DNA extraction, isolation and preparation, PCR and sequencing reactions, primer development, and other genetic analyses. Cleans and maintains experimental equipment and cages. Responsible for day-to-day administration of the laboratory including: training and coordination of student personnel associated with video analysis and data entry, and purchasing and receiving of laboratory supplies. Incumbent interacts with and assists other laboratories with similar techniques.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required, may accept combination of experience/education/certification in lieu of degree.
1+ year of relevant lab experience required.

Nice To Haves

Husbandry experience with live insects or other research organisms fungus or plant culture
Experience with Filemaker Pro
Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field
Proficiency with Word, Excel, R or other programming languages
Knowledge of use of and husbandry/culture methods for insects and/or fungus, data and personnel management associated with field and experimental efforts, database management, and routine laboratory administration
Experience collecting and managing data

Responsibilities

Maintaining colonies of experimental insects and culturing fungus resources for experiments.
Database management including data collection, entry, analysis, presentation, and analysis and transcription of video records of behavior.
Working with and troubleshooting machine learning apps for image and video analysis.
Assisting with construction of husbandry and experimental chambers using basic carpentry skills.
DNA extraction, isolation and preparation, PCR and sequencing reactions, primer development, and other genetic analyses.
Cleans and maintains experimental equipment and cages.
Day-to-day administration of the laboratory including: training and coordination of student personnel associated with video analysis and data entry, and purchasing and receiving of laboratory supplies.
Interacting with and assisting other laboratories with similar techniques.