Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Charlottesville, VA

The Kaya Lab at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to join our research team studying the molecular mechanisms of aging using yeast and mammalian cell culture models. Our lab integrates cutting-edge techniques in genetics, synthetic biology, mitochondrial biology, and genome engineering to investigate conserved pathways that regulate cellular longevity, metabolic resilience, and stress responses.

About the Lab

The Kaya Lab is a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment focused on both basic and translational aspects of aging biology. We utilize a range of model systems including yeast, C. elegans, mammalian cell cultures, and mouse models to dissect the genetic and metabolic mechanisms that influence lifespan and healthspan. Our projects are supported by NIH and private foundation funding and are positioned at the intersection of mitochondrial biology, aging, and metabolic regulation.

Project Overview

The successful candidate will lead a funded project aimed at understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial proteome changes influence cellular proteostasis and aging. The project will employ genome-wide tools, CRISPR-based gene perturbation platforms, and metabolic assays to uncover novel regulators of aging and stress tolerance. Collaborative opportunities exist with other labs working on aging and systems biology within UVA and beyond.

Qualifications/Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Associate's degree required; may accept equivalent combination of experience, education, certification in lieu of degree.
• Experience: 2+ years of lab experience which may include student experience.

Preferred Qualifications

-Hands-on experience with yeast genetics and molecular biology

• A strong track record of scientific research
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment
• Experience with high-throughput screening, synthetic biology, or mitochondrial assays
• Familiarity with omics approaches or bioinformatics
• Enthusiasm for aging research

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 non-exempt level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

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

The University will perform background checks and health screenings on all new hires prior to employment.

Application Process:

Please apply online, and search for R0082822. 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. This position is open until filled.

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.