Envs - Lab Tech 2 Or Lab Specialist

The Blumstein lab in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Virginia is seeking a highly-motivated and collaborative Laboratory Technician to work on projects investigating temperate forests' ability to adapt to climate change. Under the supervision of the PI, the technician will participate in research projects involving a combination of molecular biology, chemical assays, and plant ecophysiology.

Research activity conducted includes, but is not limited to, preparation of reagents, general molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA Extraction, PCR), chemical assays (carbohydrate analysis), and plant measurements (LiCOR photosynthesis, Leaf Traits, etc.).

Information about the Department of Environmental Sciences can be found at https://evsc.as.virginia.edu/mission-statement.

Typical Duties Include:

• Coordinates multiple aspects of research project and carries out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment;

• Collaborates with other lab members on experimental design, setting up protocols and developing new laboratory techniques;

• Processes, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms;

• May train and oversee the work of others in laboratory techniques and procedures;

• Assists with laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and/or purchasing equipment and supplies, working with vendors and undertaking special projects as required;

• Contributes to unit goals by undertaking other duties as required.

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS. Applicants should note in their cover letter which position they consider themselves eligible for.

• Lab and Research Technician: Lab and Research Technician 2 employees provide increasingly complex technical support for projects and may engage in increasingly complex scientific experiments over time.
  
  May handle sophisticated administrative and logistical tasks. Lab and Research Technician 2 employees operate under supervision for complex daily tasks, and with independence when following set protocols and procedures. Starting salary range: $37,000 - $42,000.
  
  Minimum requirements: Associate's degree and 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.

• Lab Specialist: Lab Specialist employees provide technical lab support by performing complex lab and research related tasks.
  
  They act as specialists on research methods and equipment functions specific to investigations. They have the authority to adapt methods and procedures to meet the needs of research. They are distinguished from Lab Technicians by the types and duration of assignments, as well as the skills and expertise necessary to serve as resources on non-routine problems.
  
  Lab Specialist employees perform daily activities without supervision; greater oversight is provided for longer-term assignments. Lab Specialist employees often train others on work processes and policies. Starting salary range: $41,000 - $46,000.
  
  Minimum requirements: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or Biomedical Engineering) and at least 3 years of related experience, which may include student experience. 6 years of related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

The Lab Tech/Lab Specialist will report to Meghan Blumstein, Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences and Architecture.

For additional information about the position, please contact Meghan Blumstein, Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences and Architecture at ycv4vb@virginia.edu.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

This position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The anticipated start date is September 1, 2024. This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding and performance. This is an Non-Exempt level, benefited position.

For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

This position will remain open until filled. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

To Apply:

Https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/jobs/R0060279

Please apply through Workday, and search for R0060279. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs.' Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

References will be completed via UVA's standardized process Skill Survey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process.

For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor at rkh6j@virgina.edu.

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Associate's 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.

Licensure: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.

We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.