The Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery is seeking a Lab Specialist Senior. The incumbent would support the research efforts of Professor Steven Munger, Ph.D. The Munger lab opens February 1, 2024, in the Aurbach Medical Research Building within the Fontaine Research Park. Research in the laboratory will combine human clinical studies with studies in model systems to understand the normal function, and disease-related dysfunction, of the senses of smell and taste. Smell and taste play critical roles in human health by protecting us from dangers, influencing our perception and liking of food, and influencing how we interact with the world. As demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, loss of smell and taste can have profound consequences for affected individuals. The lab's research environment will pair rigorous, cutting edge scientific research with a collaborative and supportive environment for individuals with varied backgrounds and with different career aspirations. Of particular interest are individuals with excellent communication and leadership skills, expertise in neuroanatomical, molecular biological, psychophysical and/or statistical techniques, and an enthusiasm for working with students, residents or other trainees.

　　Lab Specialist Senior employees apply highly-developed subject matter expertise to laboratory research. They assist in the administration and coordination of the technical activities of a scientific research lab. Lab Specialist Senior employees assist Principal Investigators or Lab Managers by performing the following tasks: designing research methodologies, managing research projects, developing and administering budgets and schedules, following established quality standards, and analyzing data and performance metrics. They ensure that standard operating procedures and protocols are maintained and applied. They employees may manage staff. They may co-author publications and co-present results with Principal Investigators.

　　Assist faculty researchers and act independently in the design of research projects, the development of methods and procedures, the preparation of research proposals, and the writing of research findings. Oversee day-to-day operations of projects.

　　May supervise research activities and support personnel.

　　Assist in formulating and implementing the short- and long-range goals for the operation of the lab. Project future needs and formulate strategies consistent with projections.

　　May develop and implement lab policies and procedures. Manage and coordinate operational policies and procedures. Coordinate with research staff on issues which impact lab functions.

　　May act as liaison to other departments, divisions or organizations.

　　Develop, design, and conduct one or more small or moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with plan. Coordinate data collection and screening and verify the data. Review progress and evaluate results.

　　Develop protocols and criteria, determine interview procedures, and approve protocols.

　　Conduct analyses of data and interpret and implement research methodology based on outcomes of analyses.

　　Co-author publications and may co-present results with Principal Investigator at meetings or conferences.

　　Provide guidance as requested regarding hiring and training for technical personnel. Supervise, train and instruct residents, interns, students or other staff in lab techniques and procedures.

　　In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

　　MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

　　Education: Bachelor's degree.

　　Experience: 9 years of experience in a lab technician role. May substitute with Master's or Terminal degree plus 4 years of experience in a lab technician role and supervisory experience. 12 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

　　Licensure: None.

　　This position will remain open until filled. This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding and performance. This is an Exempt level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

　　The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position.

　　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.

　　TO APPLY:

　　Please apply through UVA Careers (https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/job/R0056913/Lab-Specialist-Senior) , and search for ‘R0056913'. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Complete an application online and attached the documents listed below. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

　　CV or Resume

　　Cover letter

　　References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process Skill Survey during the final phase of the interview process. For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Karon Harrington, Academic Recruiter, at [email protected].

　　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.