Lab Specialist Intermediate, Ophthalmology

A Lab Specialist Intermediate position is available at the at the Department of Ophthalmology (Iomini Lab) at the 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.

Research: Our laboratory studies morphogenesis and disease conditions of the mammalian eye. We specifically focus on understanding the signal transduction pathways involved in eye development, regeneration, and diseases using the mouse as a model system, combined with advanced two-photon microscopy and single-cell profiling.

Institute: We are part of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, which hosts an array of leading research institutes, centers, and facilities, offering interested candidates an interactive, highly collaborative, and innovative scientific environment that fosters strong interactions between basic and translational research.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to assist postdocs and the principal investigator in well-defined research projects sponsored by the National Eye Institute at NIH involving the use of two-photon confocal microscopy, mouse dissections, and genotyping following protocols available in the laboratory. Experience with mouse colonies, tissue culture, histological preparations, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and molecular cloning is highly desirable but not required. The candidate must be comfortable working with mice. Training in mouse handling and colony management will be provided.

Responsibilities

• 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.

• 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

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required.

• Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Willingness to work with experimental animals (mice).

• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and computer skills.

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

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

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 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 June 17, 2026.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0084316.

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

• For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.