"Lab Techncian/ Senior Lab Technician (Chemistry), Medicines for All"

Job Details

Job Summary

Medicines for All (M4ALL), a part of Virginia Commonwealth University, is an entrepreneurial, impact-oriented institute dedicated to dramatically improving global access to lifesaving medicines. We achieve this through synthetic process innovation and advanced technology deployment to reduce costs and waste in small molecule drug substance manufacturing. Our work supports treatments for diseases such as TB, malaria, HIV, oncology, metabolic diseases, CNS, and immunology.

We are seeking a highly skilled and adaptable Chemistry Lab Tech or Senior Lab Technician to provide hands-on technical and operational support. This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of critical laboratory operations and support scientists in a collaborative research environment. This is a technical support position with responsibilities spanning laboratory management, operational and administrative support, including involvement in safety compliance, inventory logistics, and facilities support. This role provides broad exposure to laboratory operations and the opportunity to contribute to impactful research by supporting scientific teams.

Primary Responsibilities

Lab & Technical Duties

• Support synthetic chemistry activities through reaction set up, monitoring, and cleanup under established procedures.
• Maintain, clean, and monitor laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Ensure laboratory supplies and reagents are properly stocked and readily available for experiments.
• Assist scientists with execution of experiments by following written protocols and SOP’s.
• Troubleshoot routine to moderately complex laboratory and equipment issues in collaboration with research staff.

Laboratory Operations & Administrative Support

• Serve as an active member of the Lab Operations team, contributing to all aspects of laboratory support and providing coverage to ensure seamless continuity when needs arise.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and readiness for daily operations.
• Help draft and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Engage in knowledge-sharing, peer support, and active reinforcement of safety practices, with increasing responsibility for mentoring as experience grows.

Inventory, Logistics, & Facilities Support

• Manage the consumables room, including tracking, organizing, ordering supplies and restocking inventory.
• Oversee receipt, labeling, and storage of chemicals and laboratory materials.
• Ensure the laboratory is stocked with necessary materials for ongoing and upcoming projects.
• Support equipment coordination, routine maintenance scheduling, and vendor interactions.
• Assist with waste handling, lab hygiene, and general facilities support.

Safety & Compliance

• Assist with safety inspections, compliance initiatives, and audits.
• Follow and reinforce chemical hygiene, laboratory safety standards, and good documentation practices.
• Support continuous improvement of laboratory efficiency, safety, and operational workflows.
• Monitor laboratory safety practices and support compliance by identifying improvement opportunities and contributing data for safety metrics and KPI reporting.

Qualifications

Required:

• B.S. in Chemistry or a related field, or equivalent hands-on chemistry laboratory experience.
• Completion of college-level coursework in Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, or equivalent professional experience.
• Familiarity with standard chemistry lab instruments and techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and integrity.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a history of precise scientific documentation.
• 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.
• Comprehensive understanding of chemical and lab safety protocols.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, multi-project research environment.
• Experience managing lab inventory, consumables, and ordering processes.
• Commitment to collaborative teamwork while maintaining independent responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to troubleshooting experiments or operational challenges.

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience supporting organic synthesis in an academic or industrial laboratory.
• Experience with laboratory inventory management and ordering systems.
• Experience working in a chemistry-focused research or manufacturing environment.
• M4ALL is seeking a collaborative and thorough professional to contribute to our research teams in further expanding our ability to make an impact on access to medicines around the world. This position provides a full range of technical support in a large array of areas, including organic synthesis, bench experimentation, safe laboratory practices, good documentation practices, lab management and lab hygiene.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $61,000

Title Distinction: We will consider hiring at either the Lab Technician or Senior Lab Technician level based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. The Senior Lab Technician will be distinguished by advanced technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and extensive experience in laboratory operations.With several years of hands-on chemistry laboratory experience and a strong understanding of laboratory operations and workflow coordination. Confidence assisting with troubleshooting, training on procedures, and operational best practices.

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Associate Director, Facilities & Safety and embodies everyday leadership, with an expectation to lead through actions, discussions, decisions, and interactions. As a role model within the organization, you will influence others by consistently demonstrating the values and behaviors that drive our mission forward.

Work Environment: The position is based at the VA Bio+Tech Park, with occasional travel within the greater Richmond area to deliver samples or handle urgent shipments. Since M4ALL's inception in 2017, we have received significant financial support from a diverse portfolio of major donors. This position is grant-funded, with continued employment contingent upon ongoing funding.

Position Demands: This position requires working in a chemical laboratory environment where exposure to chemical odors and reagents is common. The role involves standing for extended periods, moving around the lab, and lifting or carrying laboratory equipment, supplies, and materials as needed. Candidates should be comfortable performing hands-on laboratory work in a dynamic, fast-paced setting while adhering to all safety protocols.

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: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 40 hours/week; Monday - Friday (day shift)

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Onsite Requirement

University Job Title: 34051 - Lab/Research Technician RS

Eligible for sponsorship (e.g. H-IB visa status, etc.): No

Contact Information: M4ALL@vcu.edu