"Research Scientist - Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy"

Research Scientist - Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy

Benefits of working at VCU

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 33241 - 33243
Recruitment Pool All Applicants
Posting Number req8165
Unit School Of Medicine MBU
Department Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Location VCU
Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA

Duties & Responsibilities

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education.

We are seeking applications from highly motivated Research Scientists to join the Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy at Virginia Commonwealth University. The research focus of our lab is on memory network dysfunction in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. The Research Scientist will be responsible for establishing laboratory operations, developing and conducting research experiments, supervising research activities, and overseeing administrative functions in conjunction with the Principal Investigator.

Laboratory Establishment & Operations:
Support laboratory infrastructure, including equipment setup, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures.

Research Leadership & Development:
Design and execute behavioral, optogenetic, and molecular experiments related to Alzheimer’s disease and memory research.
Implement improvements and innovations in research methodologies and experimental design.
Oversee mouse model colonies and breeding crosses.

Grant Writing & Funding:
Assist Principal Investigator in developing research strategies and long-term funding plans.
Prepare preliminary data, literature reviews, and experimental design sections for grant proposals.

Training & Supervision:
Mentor trainees in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
Supervise day-to-day laboratory operations and coordinate research activities among team members.

Scientific Communication & Compliance:
Present research findings at national and international conferences.
Maintain current knowledge of scientific literature in Alzheimer’s disease and related fields.
Ensure compliance with all university and regulatory requirements (IACUC, DEA, OEHS).
Serve as primary contact for regulatory inspections and compliance activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or related biomedical field
• Minimum 3 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in Alzheimer’s disease or neuroscience
• Demonstrated expertise in rodent behavioral testing and stereotaxic surgery
• Proven track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with grant writing and securing research funding
• Documented experience in training and supervising research personnel
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements for animal research and controlled substances
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (R, SPSS, GraphPad Prism) and data visualization
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic or research settings
• Experience with advanced techniques such as optogenetics, single cell/nuclei RNA sequencing, calcium imaging, or electrophysiology
• Experience with contract research organizations, NIH, and industry collaborations

This is a restricted position with no set end date; continued employment is contingent upon project needs, funding availability, and performance.

ORP Eligible: Yes

Application Requirements:
Cover letter addressing research interests and career goals
Curriculum vitae
Names and contact information for three professional references

Application Deadline: 10/1/2025

Note to candidates: VCU is transitioning to a new application system beginning October 1, 2025. If you apply before that date, you may be asked to resubmit your application in the new system after the system is live. Clear instructions will be provided at that time. We appreciate your understanding during this transition and look forward to reviewing your application.

FLSA University Employee
Job FTE 100
Exemption Status Exempt
Restricted Position Yes
E-Class UF - University Employee FT
Job Category University Employee
ORP Eligible Yes
Salary Range $61,500 - $84,900 (commensurate with experience)
Compensation Type Salaried
Target Hire Date 11/1/2025
Contact Information for Candidates SOMHR