What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Tech/Specialist Flowers Lab position at The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia?
The Flowers Lab (flowerslab.org) is focused on understanding thevery earlystages of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, and using this knowledge for the effective diagnosis and treatment of AD. One of the main focuses of the lab is understanding the impact of the glycoprotein, Apolipoprotein E (APOE), on the early pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and how APOE genotype impacts AD treatment. APOE is the most significant genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, despitethis, there is a lot we do not understand about how APOE conveys this risk. We use human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), mouse models, and advanced technologies including mass spectrometry to better understand the changes that occur in AD. We are searching for a new lab member to aid us with this important work.
Position Summary
This individual (Lab Tech or Specialist/varying levels depending on experience) willbe responsible forand helpfacilitateresearch related to understanding the significance of APOE in biomarker studies and drug studiesincluding withbenfotiamine. They willbe responsible forcarrying out studies using AD mouse models and maintenance of the mouse colony. They will also be involved in culturing and differentiation of iPSCs into a range of cell types as well as carrying out cell, biochemical and molecular biology assays. They will prepare samples for mass spectrometric analyses and work with a range of patient and iPSC-derived samples. The candidate will work with other members of the group invested in this project tomaintaincells, carry out experiments, analyze data, as well as documenting andreporting onresults to the group. A smaller part of this role will involve routine but important lab maintenance and administration tasks.
Responsibilities
The individual hired for this position will work closely with Dr. Flowers, Dr.Fernandezand other lab members. They will attend lab meetingsweeklyand project meetings weekly or more often as necessary. They will be trained and receive guidance on a day-to-day basis tofacilitatethe goals of the project and ensure their training. The individual hired is expected to interact professionally and collegially with all lab members including graduate and undergraduate students, treating all lab members with respect and consideration. The hired individual can expect to work in a respectful,openand supportive environment focused on doing good science. There will be many opportunities to learn a range of lab skills.
The successful candidate shouldpossessexcellent attention to detail and strong problem solving and record-keeping skills. They will be a clear and open communicator and be motivated to learn new laboratory skills and contribute to the goals of the lab. They will be careful in the lab with their own work and the work of others. Knowledge of basic cell biology and biochemistry isrequired. Demonstrated experience working with mice andmaintaininga mouse colony is highly preferred. Any experience with biochemical or cell-based assays, massspectrometryand molecular biology techniques such as PCR would also be an advantage. Anypreviousexperience in neuroscience, Alzheimer's disease or APOE research would be highlyadvantageous.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience: At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experiencerequired.
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.
Position Type & Work Location
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.
About UVA and the Community
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visitUVA LifeandEmbark CVA.
Application Timeline
Application review will begin afterMarch 2, 2026.
Additional Requirements
Background checks and pre-employment health screeningswill be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
How to Apply
Please applyonline, by searching for requisition numberR0080932.
Internal applicantsmay search and apply for jobs on theUVA Internal Careers website.
Complete an application with the following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Upload all materials into the resume submissionfield. You cansubmitmultiple documents intothis onefield or combine them into one PDF.Applications without allrequireddocuments will notreceivefull 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 berequested, with at least three responsesrequired.
Contact
For questions about the application process, please contactJonFreeman, jf2sw@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.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.