Lab Tech/Specialist - Brandebura Lab

UVA Health

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Brandebura lab, at the University of Virginia School of Medicine Department of Neuroscience, seeks candidates for a Lab Tech/Lab Specialist varying levels depending on experience. The Brandebura Laboratory studies astrocyte dysfunction in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders like Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease. We are focused on how to target astrocytes, and their signaling to other glial cells and the vasculature, to improve neuroinflammation, blood-brain-barrier and synapse dysfunction. We utilize mouse models and primary cell culture to test biological mechanisms.
Responsibilities
The candidate will perform duties such as:
Animal colony and protocols: The candidate will manage the animal colony, perform genotyping and keep an accurate and detailed record of the mouse census. In collaboration with Dr. Brandebura, the candidate will make requested changes to the animal and biosafety protocols.
Lab Inventory and Stocking: The candidate will be responsible for creating lab inventories of available reagents, stocking the lab, ordering supplies and prepare solutions and buffers.
Conducting and analyzing experimental data: In addition to the duties, the candidate will be required to work on collecting experimental data, including microscopy imaging of brain slices, cell culture experiments and behavioral analysis on mice. Prior experience with mouse handling is desired, but not required. The candidate will absolutely be required to work with mice so the candidate must be open willing to do this. The candidate will also participate in analysis of the collected data and will be required to present this data in lab meetings. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required. Experience with statistical analysis and graphing software is a plus.
Optimization and maintenance of lab protocols for use by all lab members: Under the supervision of Dr. Brandebura, the candidate will optimize and archive lab protocols for later use and will be required to keep a detailed and accurate lab notebook that others can follow.
Collaboration and training: Importantly, this lab will consist of multiple trainees at all levels, from undergraduate to postdoctoral fellows, and so the ideal candidate must be willing to work as a team, create an inclusive environment and be willing to train new lab members on existing protocols in the lab.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experience required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required.
• The candidate will absolutely be required to work with mice so the candidate must be open willing to do this.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with mouse handling is desired, but not required.
• Experience with statistical analysis and graphing software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the animal colony, perform genotyping and keep an accurate and detailed record of the mouse census
• Make requested changes to the animal and biosafety protocols
• Creating lab inventories of available reagents, stocking the lab, ordering supplies and prepare solutions and buffers
• Collecting experimental data, including microscopy imaging of brain slices, cell culture experiments and behavioral analysis on mice
• Participate in analysis of the collected data and will be required to present this data in lab meetings
• Optimize and archive lab protocols for later use and will be required to keep a detailed and accurate lab notebook that others can follow
• Work as a team, create an inclusive environment and be willing to train new lab members on existing protocols in the lab

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED