Lab Tech 2 or Lab Specialist Varying Levels - Flowers Lab

The Flowers Lab (flowerslab.org) is focused on understanding the very early stages of neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis, and using this knowledge for the effective diagnosis and treatment of these devastating diseases. Although much of the work in the Flowers Lab is focused on Alzheimer's disease, this position will focus on Huntington's disease. We will use human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and advanced technologies including mass spectrometry to better understand the changes that occur in HD. We are searching for a new Lab Tech/Specialist to aid us with this important work that is currently funded for one year.

Position Summary

This individual will be responsible for and help facilitate research related to understanding the metabolic changes that occur in Huntington's disease. They will be responsible for the culturing and differentiation of iPSCs into a range of cell types as well as carrying out cell, biochemical and molecular biology assays. They will prepare samples for mass spectrometric analyses and work with a range of patient and iPSC-derived samples. The candidate will work with other members of the group invested in this project to maintain cells, carry out experiments, analyze data, as well documenting and reporting on results to the group. A smaller part of this role will involve routine but important lab maintenance and administration tasks to work as part of the Flowers lab to facilitate the smooth functioning of the lab.

Responsibilities

The individual hired for this position will work closely with Dr. Flowers, Dr. Fernandez and other lab members.They will attend lab meetings weekly and project meetings weekly or more often as necessary. They will be trained and receive guidance on a day-to-day basis to facilitate the goals of the project and ensure their training. The individual hired is expected to interact professionally and collegially with all lab members including graduate and undergraduate students, treating all lab members with respect and consideration. The hired individual can expect to work in a friendly, respectful, open and supportive environment focused on doing good science. There will be many opportunities to learn a range of lab skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Associates Degree

• Experience: At least 2 years of lab experience which may include student experience.Bachelor's degree in related science will be considered in lieu of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• The candidate for this position should have a bachelor's degree in a science or science related field and at least 2 years of research lab experience which may include undergraduate research experience.

• The successful candidate should possess excellent attention to detail and strong problem solving and record-keeping skills.

• They will be a clear and open communicator and be motivated to learn new laboratory skills and contribute to the goals of the lab.

• They will be careful in the lab with their own work and the work of others. Knowledge of basic cell biology and biochemistry is required.

• Experience with cell culture would be preferred particularly if experience is in culturing without antibiotics or with iPSCs.

• Any experience with biochemical or cell-based assays, mass spectrometry and molecular biology techniques such as PCR would also be an advantage.

• Any previous experience in neuroscience, Huntington's disease or neurodegenerative disease research would be highly advantageous.

Physical Demands

This position can spend extensive periods of time standing while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Also requires keyboarding and other bench work and animal procedures requiring finer finger manipulation.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

• This position has a term limit of 1 year after which continued employment will depend on department need and funding.

• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after July 27, 2025.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0074685 Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs."

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

• For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.