The Tang Laboratory at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is hiring a highly motivated Lab Specialist.

　　The Tang laboratory studies mechanisms of complex genome rearrangements in cancers and other human diseases such as developmental disorders, particularly interested in chromothripsis which is a catastrophic rearrangement involving ten to hundreds of DNA breaks randomly ligated all at once within one or few chromosomes. Comprehensive genomic analysis indicates that chromothripsis is prevalent across cancer types (65% of pancreatic cancers, 77% of osteosarcomas, and 100% of liposarcomas) and can cause human developmental problems. We are interested in understanding how these breaks are formed and how they are repaired in different cellular contexts (Tang et al., Nature 2022, PMID:35477155). We are also interested in abnormal gene regulation, such as oncogene activation and defects in RNA processing, contribution to genome instability. One focus is to delineate the mechanism of how dysregulation of R-loops, three-stranded nuclear acid complexes comprised of a DNA-RNA hybrid with a displaced single-stranded DNA, leads to DNA damage and genome instability in somatic and meiotic cells. The overall goal of our research is to identify mechanisms of complex genome rearrangements that drive rapid genome evolution in cancers and congenital human disorders.

　　Our lab uses a wide range of techniques to study genome instability and rearrangements, such as live-cell microscopic imaging combined with single cell genomic analysis (Look-seq, Zhang et al., Nature 2015, PMID:26017310), ChIP-seq for R-loop mapping, DNA break mapping and in vitro biochemical study. The lab specialist will work directly with the Principal Investigator or other senior scientists in the lab and will be provided comprehensive academic training. The research lab specialist is highly encouraged to lead and develop their own independent research questions and projects. The lab specialist will have many opportunities to present progress in their project within the department and while attending conferences. Our lab is committed to be an open, supportive, and respective working environment and every lab member will have the opportunity to thrive and achieve their academic goals.

　　What you will do:

　　Perform research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator or other senior lab members, such as postdoc researchers. Experimental work includes molecular cloning, protein purification, mammalian cell culture and live cell/fixed cell microscopic imaging combined with single cell genomic analysis (Look-seq) and in vitro biochemistry analysis with purified proteins.

　　Participate and present research progress in regular lab meeting and journal club. Attend departmental seminars and national scientific conferences.

　　Order general lab supplies and prepare buffers and other common shared reagents, help with the overall laboratory maintenance for a safe and clean workspace.

　　Train new lab members for general lab techniques and lab safety regulation

　　Qualifications:

　　Bachelor’s degree in biological science and at least 3 years of previous experience including working in labs as student. 6 years of related lab experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

　　Basic cell biology and molecular biology skills are required. Experience with microscopy, cell culture, bioinformatics and protein purification would be beneficial.

　　Ability to draft routine reports and keep accurate and detailed records of work performed.

　　This is a restricted position and continuation is dependent upon project need, availability of funding and performance. Salary will be commensurate with education, skills, and experience.

　　For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

　　The University will perform background checks and health assessment on the selected candidate per University policy.

　　TO APPLY :

　　Please visit UVA job board: https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and search for “R0056736”

　　Complete an application online and attach:

　　Cover letter summarizing your past experience and career goals.

　　Resume or CV

　　PROCESS FOR INTERNAL UVA APPLICANTS: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs”, and search for “R0056736".

　　*Please note that you MUST upload ALL documents into the CV/Resume box. Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration. *

　　For questions about the application process, please contact Rhiannon O’Coin, Senior Academic Recruiter, [email protected]

　　For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/

　　PHYSICAL DEMANDS

　　This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments. Also requires keyboarding and other bench work requiring finer finger manipulation.

　　The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.