"Instructor - Microbiology and Immunology F79790"

Job Details

Advertising Summary: The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure track Instructor position.

Unit: School of Medicine

Department: Microbiology and Immunology

Duties & Responsibilities:

Research
This position is designed for a highly qualified individual with advanced expertise in analytical chemistry and a strong background in Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), chromatographic method development, and biomarker discovery. The candidate will support translational research initiatives focused on microbiome, metabolic disorders, and molecular diagnostics. They will also collaborate with faculty on sponsored research projects involving biomarker discovery, metabolomics, and pharmacokinetics.

We seek to enhance the department’s overall research portfolio and competitiveness for securing new extramural grants. Therefore, the candidate’s research program will complement existing departmental and interdepartmental strengths. Seeking out and creating new opportunities for innovation and collaboration with the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, the Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis and other departments and institutes will be a priority.

Mentoring and Teaching
The candidate will serve as a mentor to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and laboratory personnel, leveraging their expertise to support the teaching of experimental microbiology and immunology in the graduate and medical schools. It is expected that guidance provided by the Instructor will support trainee applications for prestigious fellowships and, ultimately, for the development of successful careers. Collectively, these accomplishments will strengthen the department’s reputation as a leader among academic Microbiology and Immunology programs.

Service
VCU School of Medicine is a vibrant and distinguished community of healers, researchers, and innovators committed to advancing health and scientific discovery. We seek exceptional individuals who are dedicated scholars, accomplished scientists, and emerging leaders to join us in advancing this mission.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field
• More than 10 years of hands-on experience in LC-MS–based analytical workflows, including method development, quantitative analysis, and data interpretation
• Demonstrated expertise in LC-MS instrumentation and chromatographic method development for biological and biochemical applications
• Strong background in quantitative and qualitative characterization of biomolecules using mass spectrometry–based approaches
• Proficiency in sample preparation, chromatographic optimization, instrument troubleshooting, and downstream data analysis software
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research environments
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biomarker validation within clinical or translational research settings
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and best practices for analytical method development and validation
• Experience with complementary analytical platforms such as GC-MS or HPLC

Salary Range: Commensurate

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Rank: Instructor

Tenure: Ineligible

Months: 12 months

Contact Email: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org