Lab Specialist Intermediate, Ophthalmology

A Lab Specialist Intermediate position is available at the Department of Ophthalmology (Iomini Lab) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, VA. The role requires a full‑time commitment with compensation aligned with University of Virginia standards. Engaging in a research project and defending a Master’s thesis is encouraged.

The laboratory studies morphogenesis and disease conditions of the mammalian eye, focusing on signal transduction pathways involved in eye development, regeneration, and disease using mouse models. Techniques include advanced two‑photon microscopy and single‑cell profiling.

• Assist lab members with maintaining and organizing mouse strains involved in their assigned project.
• Carry out basic histology tasks, including dissecting eye tissue, paraffin and plastic embedding, sectioning, and staining of embedded samples.
• Assist with experiments in immunofluorescence based on existing protocols.
• Assist with lab organization, inventory management, record keeping, and ordering.
• Actively enhance skills and expertise.
• Operate standard equipment such as centrifuges, PCR machines, and cell sorting equipment.
• Responsible for laboratory maintenance, preparing solutions and media, and ordering supplies.
• Identify and report problems in the completion of routine lab processes.
• Update Excel sheets for lab inventory.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3+ years of relevant experience.

• Willingness to work with experimental animals (mice).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and computer skills.

This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments or caring for animals. It also requires keyboarding and other bench work and animal procedures requiring finer finger manipulation.

• Salary will be $50,000 commensurate with education and experience.

• Exempt‑level, benefited position.
• Restricted position, dependent on funding availability.
• Position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on‑site.

The University of Virginia is an equal‑opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.