Senior Lab Research Assistant

The Sonoda Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Virginia’s College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is seeking applications for a full-time Senior Lab Research Assistant.  The Sonoda Lab studies information processing and plasticity in the rodent visual system using a combination of optogenetics, electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral assays. The position will play an important role in supporting the launch and day-to-day operation of a new research laboratory. This position will include both general laboratory support and hands-on involvement in research projects examining how visual information is processed by neural circuits in the retina, thalamus, and cortex.  More information about the lab can be found at www.sonodalab.com.

This position will provide technical and operational support for establishing and maintaining an active research program in the Department of Biology. The Senior Lab Research Assistant will help ensure that routine laboratory operations and animal colonies run efficiently while also directly contributing to experiments that will increase our understanding of how the brain works.

The individual will initially work under close supervision and receive training in laboratory procedures and research techniques. As experience is gained and demonstrate proficiency, they will be expected to work increasingly independently in routine laboratory operations, mouse colony management, and established experimental procedures.

The Senior Laboratory Research Assistant will be expected to perform the following duties: 

• Assist with ordering, inventory, and basic budget tracking

• Support mouse colony management

• Assist with animal procedures, including microinjections into the mouse eye and brain

• Assist with in vivo electrophysiological recordings

• Support lab members with data collection, organization, and analysis

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 knowledge, skills, abilities:

• Excellent organizational and communication skills

• Background in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, or related field

• Basic laboratory experience, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow established protocols and maintain accurate records.

• Prior experience working with rodents, neuroscience techniques, electrophysiology, imaging, behavioral assays, programming, or data analysis would be beneficial but is not required.

• Experience with functional measurements of nervous system function (i.e. electrophysiology, imaging, behavior

• Because the position involves both laboratory operations and hands-on research, the ideal candidate should be comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities and working both independently and collaboratively.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $18.56 to $23.20/hour ($38,604.80 - $48,256 annually), commensurate with education and experience.

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 full-time non-exempt benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

• This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding and performance.

• This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

• The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

• 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 Process:

Please apply online, and search for R0086933. 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 (optional)

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.