The Laboratory Manager will establish and oversee the wet laboratory of Dr. Li Li, Chair of UVA Family Medicine. This role includes responsibility for laboratory setup, infrastructure, logistics, procurement, staff training, and supervision. The manager will also contribute to grant proposals, regulatory submissions, and manuscript preparation, ensuring the lab's research goals are met.

This role requires advanced expertise in organoid research, molecular techniques, and complex DNA methylation analysis. The manager will ensure that the lab operates at the forefront of translational research into disease mechanisms and their population-based implications.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Setup and Maintenance:Establish and maintain wet lab infrastructure, ensuring all equipment, regulatory processes, and laboratory procedures are in place.Manage laboratory inventory, order supplies, and coordinate equipment procurement.Supervision and Mentorship:Supervise lab staff and trainees to help ensure regular lab maintenance and tasks are completed according to established lab schedule and SOPs.Train staff in organoid techniques and other specialized laboratory methods.Provide mentorship to lab specialists and student workers to foster professional development and ensure high-quality lab work.Research Execution:Conduct and oversee high-level procedures, including cell culture growth, harvesting, and organoid maintenance.Perform and coordinate genomic and organoid laboratory assays and experiments.Generate laboratory research finding summary to support grant applications, publications, and diagnostic guidelines.Collaboration and Communication:Work closely with Dr. Li to plan and execute experiments, review progress, and address challenges.Meet periodically to discuss objectives and deliverables for grants, manuscripts, and ongoing projects.Operational Leadership:Develop staffing plans to ensure adequate coverage during peak times.Guide daily lab operations, including prioritization of tasks and resource allocation.Ensure regulatory compliance and timely submission of grant applications and study materials.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree with 6 years of relatable experienceExtensive expertise in organoid research and molecular biology techniques.A minimum of three years of cell culture experience.  Proven experience in laboratory management, including staff training and mentorship.Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently.Excellent written and verbal communication skills for regulatory documentation, laboratory procedure, and experiment summary.

Preferred Qualifications:Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., molecular biology, biomedical sciences).Experience with tissue-based translational research.Experience in organoid culture and growth is highly desirable but not a pre-requisite. On-job training can be provided.Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.Expertise in DNA methylation analysis.

Application Instructions:

Please apply HERE and search for R0068268. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs' and search for R0068268.   Complete an application online with the following documents:

CV

Cover letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission.  Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Working Conditions:

Variable shift lengths depending on cell culture growth, harvesting schedules, and deadlines.Collaborative environment requiring regular communication and joint planning with Dr. Li and team members.

The University of Virginia, including 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, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.