The Neural Circuit Assembly & Plasticity Laboratory (Ribic NeuroLab) led by Dr. Adema Ribic at the University of Virginia is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented and meticulous Laboratory and Research Tech.  The Ribic NeuroLab uses in vivo electrophysiology, 2-photon imaging, viral and anatomical tools to study mechanisms that guide development and remodeling of cortical circuitry.

The Ribic NeuroLab offers a collaborative environment, with a strong focus on hands-on laboratory training and mentorship. The successful candidate will work directly with the Principal Investigator, Dr. Adema Ribic, and collaborate with other laboratory scientists. Besides implementation of neuroscientific experiments, the position entails the management of the animal colony, as well as laboratory inventory, data and supplies. As the funding for this position is available for 5 years, with a likelihood of extension, this is a great opportunity for recent BA/BS or MSc graduates that are considering a career in scientific research and are looking for a position that facilitates career growth. 

Job Duties:

• Perform data collection and analysis for ongoing experiments

• Conduct animal husbandry and animal colony maintenance

• Manage and curate data repositories

• Maintain laboratory inventory

• Fully document procedures for each experiment and ensure data quality

• Follow laboratory and institutional guidelines and protocols

• Report to the Principal Investigator and be responsible for the supervision of other trainees

• Prepare data for presentations and present data at weekly and monthly meetings

• Continuously improve skills, both through literature searches and reading, and through collaborations with neighboring laboratories

• Adjust work schedule according to experimental demands

• Successfully perform under pressure, in a high-paced environment, and be able to meet frequent deadlines

• Independently operate equipment and perform laboratory techniques. May explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations and outcomes

• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Experience: At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experience. Bachelor's degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

Preferred Requirements:

Education in Biology, Neuroscience, Engineering, Psychology, Life Science, Molecular Biology, and similar.Strong computer and spreadsheet skills, and the ability to carefully analyze large data sets.Experience in animal work (especially rodents), microscopy (epifluorescent, confocal or 2-photon), cell/tissue culture or electrophysiology (cell, slice or in vivo), and data analysis

Application Process:

Process for External Applicants: Please apply through Workday, and search for R0073551.  Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).

Process for Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs”, and search for “R0073551.  Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).

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 is a full-time position and 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.

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.

This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

Anticipated hiring range Is commensurate with experience.  This is a non-exempt level, benefited position.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.