The Connelly Laboratory at the University of Virginia has openings for cross disciplinary molecular biologist and animal behavior scientist in a Research Lab Technician 1/Research Laboratory Assistant.

The lab technicians will work directly with Professor Jessica Connolly.   The Connelly Lab performs cutting-edge research in translational neuroepigenetics. We are particularly interested in the use of the DNA methylation state of genes as markers for neural development, behavior and disorder, and genome-wide methods to identify transcriptome changes in response to birth experiences. The laboratory is well funded, dynamic, collaborative, and collegial. Learn more at www.connellylab.com. 

Applicants should have experience in molecular biology/small animal research. The lab technician will have the opportunity to work closely with graduate students and research scientists to contribute to work on understanding the impact of birth interventions on regulation of the oxytocin system in new mothers. The technician will manage an active animal colony, administer relevant regulatory protocols for animal work, maintain detailed scientific records of their work, and help keep laboratory safety standards. They will also be responsible for generating molecular data from animal tissues. They will have the opportunity to contribute to high quality scientific papers, aid in drafting proposals, and present their results at national or international conferences.

 Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following duties: 

• Provide basic animal husbandry and maintain an active breeding colony • Collect detailed observations of animal behavior 

• Assist with small animal surgeries 

• Assist with tissue collection and banking for future analyses 

• Maintain laboratory inventory 

• Isolate DNA/RNA from tissues and cells 

• Perform DNA/RNA analysis 

• Assist with tissue culture 

• Fully document procedures for each experiment and ensure data quality

• Follow laboratory and institutional guidelines and protocols • Train new lab members in procedures and techniques 

• Perform general lab maintenance including reagent generation, organizing and cleaning labware, and organizing samples and data

• Report to the Principal Investigator and be responsible for the training of undergraduate research assistants 

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

• Independently operate equipment and perform laboratory techniques.

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

Minimum Qualifications

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

Licensure: None Required

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a Life Science is preferred.Experience with rodent models. Technical skills: Animal handling experience, animal behavior quantification, dissection experience.Small animal surgery experienceExperience with DNA/RNA techniques, cell culture, and molecular biology protocols. 

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 fine finger manipulation.  

The anticipated hiring range is $18.56–$19.23, commensurate with education and experience.This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

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

Application review will begin after September 13, 2025.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0076129. 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 position, please contact Jessica Connelly, Professor, at jc2dg@virginia.eduFor questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter at rkh6j@virginia.edu

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.