Lab Tech/Specialist Varying Levels - Flowers Lab

The Flowers Lab (flowerslab.org) is focused on understanding the very early stages of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, and using this knowledge for the effective diagnosis and treatment of AD. An important aspect of this is understanding the complexity of AD including in the context of mixed dementia. To better understand this complexity, the Flowers Lab, working closely with the Department of Neurology has established the Virginia Alzheimer's Disease Center (VADC) Biorepository at UVA. We are searching for a new lab member to aid us with this important work. Level of hire will be determined based on experience.

Position Summary

This individual will work with patients in the clinic and be responsible for discussing the project with participants and consenting them into the study. They will be responsible for drawing blood samples and then preparing and banking the samples in the lab. An important component of the job will be to prepare plasma and log and manage the biobank. Attention to detail is critical for the correct preparation, storage and documentation of every sample. Training will be available for all aspects of the role, in the clinic and in the lab.

Responsibilities

The individual hired for this position will work closely with Dr. Flowers as well as clinical staff at the Department of Neurology. They will be required to integrate seamlessly into the clinic and ensure this research work does not negatively disrupt clinic flow or patient experience. They will be required to be patient, considerate, thoughtful, open and accurate in their interactions with patients and be well trained and familiar with the project so they can be helpful and supportive in any situation. They will work closely with participants at all stages of dementia.

They will also work in the Flowers lab to prepare and bank samples and will interact daily with Dr. Flowers and other lab members. They will attend lab and project meetings weekly or as necessary. They will be trained and receive guidance on a day-to-day basis to facilitate the goals of the project. This also includes phlebotomy training if required. The individual hired is expected to interact professionally and collegially with all lab members and clinic staff including physicians, support and research staff.

The hired individual can expect to work in a friendly, respectful, open and supportive environment focused on doing good science. There will be many opportunities to learn a range of skills and be involved in translational research on both the clinic and lab side.

This position is a full-time, on-campus position. The individual will be required to carry out all training for both the lab and clinic and follow all safety guidelines set out by the lab, clinic, and University.

The candidate for this position should have a bachelor's degree in a science or science-related field and at least 2 years of research lab experience which may include student experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Experience: At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experience required.

Position Type & Work Location

• 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 January 2, 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 R0078945. 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.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs."

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.