Laboratory Research Operations Assistant – University of Virginia

Laboratory Research Operations Assistant – University of Virginia

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia

Location Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Country United States

Field Research

The Connelly Laboratory at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Laboratory Research Operations Assistant to join its interdisciplinary research team in Charlottesville, Virginia. This full-time research position is well suited to candidates seeking hands‑on experience in molecular biology, neuroscience, animal behavior, genomics, imaging, and laboratory operations
.

The Connelly Laboratory conducts translational research in neuroepigenetics
, investigating how DNA methylation and gene regulation influence brain development, behavior, and health throughout the lifespan. The laboratory combines molecular biology, genomics, imaging, and animal models to examine how early‑life experiences, particularly birth‑related interventions, affect the oxytocin system in mothers and offspring.

The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Jessica Connelly and other members of the research team. The position offers an opportunity to participate in scientific research while gaining experience in laboratory management, experimental procedures, animal research, molecular biology, and data collection.

The Laboratory Research Operations Assistant will be responsible for supporting research activities and day‑to‑day laboratory operations. Major responsibilities include:

• Maintaining and managing a small‑animal breeding colony, including daily animal husbandry
• Conducting and documenting behavioral observations and analyses
• Assisting with small‑animal surgical procedures
• Collecting, processing, and biobanking tissue samples
• Isolating and analyzing DNA and RNA from tissues and cells
• Assisting with cell culture and molecular biology experiments
• Supporting confocal microscopy and other imaging techniques, including neuroimaging
• Maintaining accurate experimental records and ensuring data quality
• Managing laboratory inventory, reagents, equipment, and supplies
• Ensuring compliance with institutional animal‑care and laboratory‑safety protocols
• Training and supervising undergraduate research assistants
• Supporting laboratory organization, maintenance, and workflow improvement
• Contributing to scientific manuscripts, grant preparation, and research presentations
• Performing other duties as assigned

This position provides candidates with opportunities to develop practical research and laboratory‑management skills. The successful candidate may receive:

• Direct mentorship from the principal investigator and senior scientists
• Opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and potentially receive authorship
• Experience with grant writing and experimental design
• Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences
• Experience working in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least one year of laboratory experience
  , including undergraduate research experience
• A bachelor's degree may be accepted in place of the required laboratory experience

The University of Virginia prefers candidates with some of the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a life‑science discipline
• Experience working with rodent models and animal handling
• Background in animal behavior analysis
• Experience with dissection and/or small‑animal surgery
• Familiarity with DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, and molecular…