Lab Specialist, Tsai Lab - Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics
UVA Health·Albemarle County, Virginia
UVA Health·Albemarle County, Virginia
The Lab Specialist will investigate mitochondrial calcium transport proteins in cardiac physiology using genetically engineered mouse models and immune cell profiling. Responsibilities include performing flow cytometry, imaging, and molecular analyses while providing technical support and training to other lab members.
The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks a Lab Specialist for the Tsai Lab.
The Lab Specialist will investigate how mitochondrial calcium transport proteins regulate cardiac physiology and contribute to heart disease, with a focus on the immune cell populations (e.g., cardiac macrophages and T cells) that infiltrate and remodel the heart in disease states.
Using genetically engineered mouse models, the Lab Specialist will characterize immune cell composition and tissue distribution through flow cytometry, whole-mount and frozen-section immunofluorescence, and multiplex immunohistochemistry, and will apply single-cell RNA sequencing to profile immune-cardiac crosstalk.
The role also includes establishing primary immune cell/cardiomyocyte co-culture systems and supporting molecular analyses (qPCR, western blotting) of mitochondrial calcium signaling in immune cell function.
Training in CRISPR/Cas9-based mouse model generation and iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte work will be provided.
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; their longer-term assignments require greater oversight.
Lab Specialist employees often train others on work processes and policies.
Specialize in immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry, and confocal imaging methods specific to the lab's research. Demonstrate expertise in troubleshooting problems and recommending solutions. Perform a variety of tests requiring a high degree of proficiency. Assist in evaluation of research methods, procedures, and techniques based on established objectives. Perform mouse handling and tissue/organ harvesting for immune cell isolation and histology, and may assist with small animal surgery. Provide basic assistance to researchers in manipulating, computing, and analyzing data (e.g., flow cytometry, imaging, single-cell RNA sequencing) using specialized software. Evaluate experiment results using statistical and multivariate analyses. Research, compile, and maintain complex statistical, numerical, and computerized reports. Perform library and literature research. Assist in instructing lab members in immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, histology, imaging methods, and lab safety. Explain work instructions and may adapt general methods and procedures in order to meet the needs of the research. Assist in training other staff members on procedures. In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned. Minimum Requirements: Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in life sciences or a related field preferred.
Please apply online, and search for R0085472. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. Complete an application online with the following documents: CV/Resume 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 the required documents will not receive full consideration. References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three are required. For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, js9rk@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
A Bachelor's degree is required, with a Master's in life sciences preferred, and at least one year of relevant lab experience. Candidates must have hands-on experience with mouse models, immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, and histology.
Market context
In Virginia, lab specialist roles in molecular physiology and biological physics are typically competitive because employers look for hands-on research experience plus technical skills that fit the lab’s methods. This posting emphasizes mouse models, immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, and histology, along with a bachelor’s degree and at least one year of relevant experience; a master’s in life sciences is preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to match the listed techniques and research setting.
