The Brayman Lab in the Department of Surgery at the University of Virginia is seeking a Laboratory Specialist Intermediate or Senior to perform and assist with studies investigating the underlying mechanisms of type 1 diabetes and recurrence of diabetes in various murine models of diabetes. The position will also support human pancreatic islet isolations in the GMP islet isolation facility.
Responsibilities
Research responsibilities include working with mice and performing/assisting with in vitro and in vivo experiments related to ongoing studies, including:
Working with murine models of diabetes, including mouse islet isolation and transplantation
Surgical procedures
Isolating islets
Measuring mouse blood glucose levels
Collection of mouse tissue, serum, and blood, including collection of mouse tissue and blood for proteomic studies
Assistance with collection and entry of data in electronic media
Supporting daily lab activities, maintenance, and general laboratory upkeep
Ordering/purchasing materials and supplies, including purchasing through the procurement system
Other duties as assigned
The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic team-oriented individual with a willingness to learn, collaborate, and take on new challenges. Candidates must be able to:
Perform routine laboratory data analysis and research procedures
Independently prepare solutions and reagents
Perform or learn to work with animal models (including surgical techniques; training provided if necessary)
Work diligently with strong attention to detail
Analyze and organize work procedures; plan and execute tasks/experiments; interpret and report findings, writing skills
Work a flexible schedule when required
Train in and comply with BSL-2 procedures
Demonstrate reproducibility and strong critical thinking skills
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor''s degree required.
Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working actively in a research laboratory; experience in standard cell biology techniques and murine work
Flow cytometry and CyTOF
Protein purification (including immunoglobulins such as IgM) and chromatography
Experience with Akta go FPLC system
Proteomics
Experience with mass spectroscopy (LC-MS), glycan preparation, data analysis
Immunoassays, including ELISAs
Electrophoresis and Western blot
PCR, RT-PCR
DNA and RNA extractions for NGS, RNAseq/ scRNAseq/ cfRNAseq
Tissue culture / in vitro cell culture
Histology analysis and immunostaining of tissue sections to back up imaging mass cytometry
Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence, Immunocryohistochemistry.
Stem cells and organoids
Imaging mass cytometry
Confocal
Experience in R and Python, with additional experience in downstream pipeline analysis and additional expertise in statistical and data analysis software
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.
Salary Range
Position Type & Work Location
This is an 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 has a term limit of 1 year after which continued employment will depend on department need and funding.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
About UVA and the Community
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
Application Timeline
Application review will begin after April 27, 2026.
Additional Requirements
Background checks and pre-employment health screenings 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.
How to Apply
Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0082626.
Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.
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.
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
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.