Lab and Research Technician, Department of Surgery

The University of Virginia's SOM Department of Surgery is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Lab and Research Technician to join Dr. Slingluff's cancer immunology laboratory. We focus on translational research studies in humans, bridging between preclinical science and clinical trials. Our main focus is in melanoma research, but some of our work applies to other human cancers. The successful candidate will play a central role in ongoing studies of human T cell responses to cancer and will contribute to multiple collaborative research projects within the laboratory.

Duties Include

• Clone T cell receptors (TCRs) from cancer patients.
• Engineer T cells to express patient-derived TCRs.
• Evaluate engineered T cells for TCR expression and function.
• Perform functional assays to characterize antigen-specific T cell responses.
• Provide technical support for cancer immunology research projects.
• Assist with experimental design and optimization.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Maintain accurate and organized laboratory records.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and scientific publications.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents and materials.
• Manage laboratory inventory and supplies.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Maintain general laboratory organization, cleanliness, and compliance with laboratory procedures.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess substantial research experience in immunology, cancer biology, or a related field. An undergraduate degree in immunology, cancer biology, or a closely related discipline is preferred, although exceptionally qualified candidates with equivalent research experience will also be considered. Ideal experience would be in human T cell biology and cellular immunology techniques. The candidate should also have excellent interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment, demonstrate excellent organizational and communication skills, and be committed to scientific rigor and reproducibility. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative research in cancer immunology and to participate as a co-author on high-impact peer-reviewed publications.

Minimum Requirements

Lab and Research Technician 2

• 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.

Lab and Research Technician 3

• Education: Bachelor's degree required, may accept combination of experience/education/certification in lieu of degree.
• Experience: 1+ year of relevant lab experience required.

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 level benefited position. This is a restricted position, which is dependent on continuation of available funding. This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

Additional Requirements

Background checks and health screenings will be conducted on all new hires. This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.