"Lab and Research Technician - Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology"

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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 benefit, 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. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Job Code 34051-34053

Recruitment Pool All Applicants

Posting Number req7554

Unit School Of Medicine MBU

Department

Department Website Link

Location VCU

Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA

Duties & Responsibilities

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer

Position Summary:

The laboratory technician will assist the Principal Investigator and senior scientists with extramurally funded research projects that seek to understand the cellular and molecular control of the immune response. The goals of the research projects will be to:

Establish cellular therapies for the prevention of graft versus host disease post allogeneic bone marrow transplant

Evaluate genes that control ribosome biogenesis in development thymocytes to understand the concept of cellular fitness in biological outcomes

For this research, the successful candidate must have outstanding experience with flow cytometric analysis (FACS) of complex immune populations, preferably using spectra flow; expertise with handling genetically engineered mouse models; expertise with the preparation of mouse tissues such as the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow; expertise with the generation of bone marrow chimeric mice. Basic molecular biology and general lab skills are also required. General lab and equipment maintenance, monitoring and ordering reagents, training new lab personnel and assistance with the mouse colony are also requirements. 

Core Responsibilities: 

1.) Under the direction of the PI, carry out mouse-based immunology experiments

Generation of bone marrow chimeric mice for the study of GVHD

Analysis of gene mutations that impact cellular fitness

FACS analysis of developing thymocytes

FACS analysis of developing invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells

Functional analysis of T cells and NKT cells

Monitoring disease progression

Immunological analysis of mice

2.) Laboratory maintenance

Ordering supplies

Helping maintain lab cleanliness

Be responsible for monitoring and reporting lab safety issues

Training new lab members in FACS analysis, mouse dissection and other basic skills

3.) Maintaining proper records

Diligently keep laboratory notebook of all experiments

Track use of key reagents

4.) Assisting other lab members with experiments, as directed by the PI

Support experiments by preparing cells, reagents, etc.

Start or complete experiments if lab member has other obligations

Qualifications

Minimum Hiring Standards: 

Bachelor of Science in the life sciences, preferably biology with experience in immunology

Experience with handling genetically modified mouse models

Experience with flow cytometric analysis of complex immune cell populations

Computer skills including data management, word processing, Excel, etc.

A demonstrated proficiency in keeping detailed notes, files and records organized

Ability to effectively multitask 

A strong, diligent work ethic

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

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 staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications: 

At least one-year prior experience working in a biomedical laboratory

Familiarity with the study of immunology

Experience with FACS analysis programs such as FlowJo

Experience with analysis of gene expression data

Experience with molecular biology (e.g., plasmid preparation, Western blot, PCR, qPCR)

Experience in working with mice, maintaining a mouse colony, breeding, harvesting blood and organs from mice

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

University Job Code: 34051-34053

ORP Eligible: No

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

FLSA University Employee

Job FTE 100

Exemption Status Non-Exempt

Restricted Position Yes

E-Class UF - University Employee FT

Job Category University Employee

ORP Eligible No

Salary Range Up to $45,000

Compensation Type Salaried

Target Hire Date 7/25/2025

Contact Information for Candidates

SOMHR

Documents Needed to Apply