Research Specialist - Neuroscience and Anatomy
Advertising Summary:
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. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.
Unit: School Of Medicine
Department: Neuroscience & Anatomy
Department Summary:
In the Department of Neuroscience & Anatomy, research is one of our core tenets. With traditions anchored in the anatomical disciplines, our identity has evolved to reside in modern neuroscience, where our dedicated faculty and students engage in state-of-the-art research and scholarly activity with clinical translation potential in conditions ranging from anxiety to epilepsy to Alzheimer’s.
With labs and grant-funded projects led by our full-time department faculty and affiliate faculty in other academic units across VCU, we’re proud to contribute to the field by conducting innovative research the following focus areas: Central Nervous System Circuit Function, Central Nervous System Injury and Repair, Educational scholarship and Practice, Glial Cell Biology, and Molecular Mechanisms of Neuropsychiatric Disorders.
Duties & Responsibilities:
The Barbour Lab in the Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy at Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a highly motivated and capable Research Specialist. We are a new lab using cutting-edge techniques to study memory circuit dysregulation in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. This personnel will take a primary role in maintaining mouse colonies, processing tissue, conducting experiments (mouse behavioral studies, immunofluorescence, microscopy, western blot), and helping to maintain equipment and laboratory documents.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in gaining hands-on experience in a collaborative and intellectually engaging research environment with strong mentorship. A minimum one-year commitment is required, with a strong preference for a two-year (or longer) term. Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds—neuroscience, biology, psychology, engineering, computer science, or related fields—are encouraged to apply.
Core Responsibilities:
The research specialist will be responsible for overall laboratory maintenance, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, communicating with vendors, managing inventory, and ensuring the lab remains clean, organized, and well-stocked. They will also assist with compliance related to biosafety, chemical safety, and animal care protocols. Responsibilities also include performing routine animal health checks and supporting the management of the mouse colony.
This personnel will help with the development and advancement of mouse behavioral assays in the lab. They will also assist with preparing tissue samples and performing histological procedures, such as sectioning and immunohistochemistry, and data analysis from microscopy and behavioral experiments. They will assist with surgical procedures, including preparation, setup, and post-operative monitoring.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent training and experience. Knowledge of neuroscience and/or biology is highly desirable. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. A demonstrated proficiency in keeping detailed notes, files, and records organized. Willingness to work with rodents in a research environment. 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
Laboratory and animal handling experience preferred. Knowledge and/or experience with the following preferred: mouse colony maintenance, rodent surgical techniques, immunohistochemistry, tissue sectioning, fluorescence/confocal microscopy, data analysis, and coding proficiency.
Salary Range: $40k-$42k
Benefits : All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, 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
Restricted Position: Yes
ORP Eligible: No
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
University Job Title: 34051N - Lab/Research Technician 1
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