The Wang Lab in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our immuno-oncology projects. This position offers an exciting opportunity to investigate novel molecular and cellular mechanisms and therapeutics at the interface of cancer biology and immunology.

The selected candidate will work closely with Wang Lab graduate students under the PI's guidance to study tumor-immune interactions in advanced cancers. This role is well-suited for candidates seeking a long-term research position or those preparing for doctoral-level training. Qualified candidates may have the opportunity to co-author peer-reviewed publications.

Research Activities Core techniques include tissue culture, RNA isolation, PCR, flow cytometry, in vivo mouse models of cancer and basic animal handling. Additional responsibilities include laboratory organization, purchasing, inventory management, and biosafety compliance. The position requires frequent engagement with scientific literature, rigorous experimental documentation, data analysis, and clear data presentation. Active participation in group project meetings is expected.

Candidate Expectations The ideal candidate demonstrates attention to detail, strong record-keeping practices, the ability to manage multiple assignments, self-motivation, and a collaborative attitude. Eagerness to acquire new skills is essential.

Responsibilities

• Construct plasmid expression vectors using PCR, Gibson assembly, miniprep purification, and Sanger sequencing
• Perform tissue culture of tumor cells, macrophages, and T cells
• Perform flow cytometry to analyze immune cell populations and tumor-immune interactions
• Assist animal work (tumor implantation, drug treatment, and tissue collection)
• Document and analyze data using LabArchives, GraphPad Prism, Geneious Prime, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other relevant software
• Maintain laboratory stocks, solutions, and general organization

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Associate's degree required; Bachelor’s strongly preferred.
• Experience: 2+ years of lab experience which may include student experience. Prior experience in cancer biology or immunology preferred.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $18.27 – 20/hour, commensurate with education and experience.

This position will not sponsor applicants already in the US for work visas. This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.

This position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is a full-time benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed health screen is required for this position.

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 benchwork and animal procedures requiring fine finger manipulation.

Application Process:

Please apply online, and search for R0084253. 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.