"Research Scientist - Dept. of Neuroscience and Anatomy"

Research Scientist - Dept. 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

Recruitment Pool All Applicants

Posting Number req7652

Unit School Of Medicine MBU

Department Anatomy

Department Website Link

Location VCU

Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA

Duties & Responsibilities

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Position Summary:

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 chronic pain mechanisms and translational neuroscience. 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.

Specific Duties:

• Laboratory Establishment & Operations:
• Support laboratory infrastructure, including equipment setup, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures
• Research Leadership & Development
• Design and execute behavioral, pharmacological, and molecular experiments related to chronic pain research
• Implement improvements and innovations in research methodologies and experimental design
• 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 pain research 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 Hiring Standards:

• Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or related biomedical field
• Minimum 3 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in pain research or neuroscience
• Demonstrated expertise in rodent behavioral testing, particularly pain and sensory assessment models
• Strong background in pharmacological approaches to drug development and testing
• 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 experience working in and fostering 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 Hiring Standards:

• Background in preclinical drug development and translational research
• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic or research settings
• Experience with advanced techniques such as optogenetics, calcium imaging, or electrophysiology
• Experience with contract research organizations, NIH, and industry collaborations

Application Requirements:

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

Application Deadline: 10/1/25

Contact Information: For questions about this position, please contact: Andrew Crowther, Assistant Professor, Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy Email: andrew.crowther@vcuhealth.org

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

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!

ORP ELigible: Yes

FLSA University Employee

Job FTE 100

Exemption Status Exempt

Restricted Position No

E-Class UF - University Employee FT

Job Category University Employee

ORP Eligible Yes

Salary Range Commensurate up to $90,000

Compensation Type Salaried

Target Hire Date 10/1/2025

Contact Information for Candidates

Documents Needed to Apply