Research Technician - Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology - School of Dentistry

Employer: Virginia Commonwealth University

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Salary: Competitive Salary

Date posted: Feb 16, 2026

Position Type: Faculty Positions, Science & Mathematics, Biology & Life Sciences, Chemistry, Administrative, Academic Affairs, Research Administration

Employment Type: Full Time

Job Details

Advertising Summary: The School of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, seeks a highly motivated individual to join the Faber Laboratory where the focus is on studying new therapeutic interventions for adult and pediatric solid tumor cancers with the primary goal to translate these findings into clinical trials.

Unit: School of Dentistry

Department: Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology

Position Responsibilities:

This position provides research duties essential to the success of the Faculty, Postdocs and students in the Faber lab. The candidate will be performing mammalian cell culture, dissolving/diluting drugs, drug treating mammalian cell lines, generating stable cell lines using retro- and lenti-virus vectors, protein immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, qPCR, as well as standard molecular biology techniques (plasmid DNA preparation, gel electrophoresis). He/she will be performing routine research activities as assigned, including in vitro based drug screens to find new therapies for cancer. Direct and interpret experiments. Devise new experiments.

• Laboratory Management: Assist in maintenance for laboratory equipment. Assist in cleaning freezers and refrigerators when needed. Participate in all laboratory and departmental meetings. Maintain and keep clean all space used in experiments.
• Inventory management: Order all items required for research experiments as needed. Assist in maintaining and replenishing common chemicals and reagents as needed. Receive all training required to maintain purchasing privileges.
• Laboratory Safety: Perform all duties required of Chemical Hygiene officer, including yearly CHP update. Dispose of all chemical and biological waste in compliance with university and OSHA regulations. Replace items in first aid and spill kits as needed. Assist in arranging for required inspections of equipment. Maintain certification for shipping of hazardous materials.
• Laboratory experimentation: Perform lab-based experiments as requested by the supervisor. Present and discuss data in meetings. Maintain laboratory notebooks recording the experiments. Prepare scientific data for manuscripts.

Required Qualifications:

• The candidate will have at a minimum a BS or preferably Masters in the field of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology required
• Prior experience in working in a research laboratory performing experiments (especially mammalian cell culture, dissolving/diluting drugs, drug treating mammalian cell lines, protein immunoblotting, qPCR, as well as standard molecular biology techniques (plasmid DNA preparation, gel electrophoresis)) is required
• Must be self-motivated, eager to learn and reliable
• Attention to detail in experimental techniques and record keeping is critical
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and experience and ability to work independently
• Have strong organization skills and ability to maintain the regulatory documents for laboratory research
• 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 an hourly employee at VCU.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

• Have previous experience with handling mice is a plus but not required.

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

Salary Range: $16.55 - $20.00

Hours per Week: Up to 29

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Restricted Position: Yes

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Dr. Anthony Faber Contact Email: acfaber@vcu.edu