"Lab Manager - Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine"

Position Summary: The Department of Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Medicine is seeking a Lab Manager to work for the laboratories of Dr. Christopher Heier and Dr. Alyson Fiorillo at VCU's School of Medicine. These translational groups focus on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of muscular dystrophies, developing therapies, and creating biomarkers for clinical trials. This role involves laboratory work on preclinical drug trials and characterizing novel mouse models, including molecular biology techniques such as qRT-PCR, Western blots, immunoassays, ELISAs, microscopy, and immunostaining. It also includes cell culture techniques like cell passaging, luciferase assays, drug treatments, and transfection of cell lines.

Core Responsibilities:

• Carry out murine preclinical trials for various muscular dystrophy model mice, including mouse handling, colony maintenance, genotyping, functional analysis, updating IACUC and Biosafety protocols, organizing tissue specimen collection, preparing samples for RNA, DNA, or protein extraction, performing RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, qPCR analysis, protein extraction, Western or Jess assays, ELISAs, preparing muscle sections for immunostaining or histology, performing histological stains, immunofluorescence, and image analysis using Image J.
• Project Implementation: Help implement a data management system, keep meticulous records, write Lab SOPs for new methods, maintain inventory records, anticipate reagent needs, and assist in writing/editing manuscripts.
• Lab Training: Train graduate and undergraduate students in basic laboratory practices and techniques, and train new lab members in mouse handling.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Hiring Standards: BS in Science, 5 or more years of laboratory experience, standard molecular biology and/or histology techniques, experience with animal work (mice), cell lines, tissue processing, working independently, and demonstrated ability to foster a respectful environment.
• Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree (MS or PhD), experience with mouse phenotyping, genetic crosses, model characterization, preclinical drug trials, heart function, muscle physiology, protein-based assays, cell-based assays, laboratory training, sequencing techniques, team science approach, and IACUC protocols.

Benefits of working at VCU include comprehensive health benefits, paid leave, tuition benefits, retirement options, and more. This is a restricted position with salary up to $70,000 annually.