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 MBU
Department: Pathology
Department Summary: The mission of the Virginia Commonwealth
University (VCU) Department of Pathology is to provide
high-quality, cost-effective pathology services that support the
patient care, education, and research missions of the VCU Health
System and School of Medicine.
Duties & Responsibilities:
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented part-time Laboratory
Research Technician to support ongoing research projects
investigating the use of small molecules as therapeutics and
chemical tools to understand disease-relevant biology. Current
research in the laboratory includes the development of novel
therapeutics for substance use disorders and overdose, safer opioid
and non-opioid approaches to pain, and mechanism-driven therapeutic
strategies in cancer.
The Laboratory Research Technician will assist the Principal
Investigator and other laboratory members with routine laboratory
operations and the execution of research experiments. The
successful candidate will receive training in techniques relevant
to ongoing projects, including multistep organic synthesis,
mammalian cell culture, biochemical and cellular assays, and in
vivo studies involving mice.
Prior laboratory research experience is not required. This position
is well suited for an individual interested in gaining hands-on
biomedical research experience and developing research skills in a
multidisciplinary research environment.
This is a part-time position, anticipated at approximately 29 hours
per week.
Core Responsibilities
- Assist with the preparation and execution of laboratory
experiments under the direction of the Principal Investigator and
senior laboratory members.
Perform routine mammalian cell culture and assist with cellular
and biochemical experiments relevant to ongoing research projects
following appropriate training.
Assist with in vivo studies involving mice following completion
of required institutional and laboratory training.
Assist with chemical synthesis and related laboratory
procedures, as appropriate to ongoing research projects and
following appropriate training.
Prepare buffers, solutions, reagents, and other materials
needed for laboratory experiments.
Maintain accurate laboratory records and document experimental
procedures and results.
Assist with the organization and maintenance of laboratory
supplies, reagents, and equipment; monitor laboratory inventory;
and assist with ordering and receiving supplies.
Participate in research meetings and communicate experimental
progress with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory
members.
Perform other research-related duties as needed to support
ongoing laboratory projects.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry,
biomedical sciences, or a related scientific discipline, or an
equivalent combination of education and relevant training.
- Interest in biomedical research and willingness to learn new
laboratory techniques.
- Ability to carefully follow written and verbal experimental
procedures.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records.
- Basic computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets,
and data organization.
- Ability to work independently after appropriate training as
well as collaboratively as part of a research team.
- Strong communication skills, professionalism, and a commitment
to careful and consistent laboratory work.
- Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of
respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and
students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, or a
commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or additional coursework in biology, chemistry,
biochemistry, biomedical sciences, pharmacology, or a related
discipline.
- Previous exposure to a research laboratory environment.
- Familiarity with mammalian cell culture or basic cellular and
biochemical laboratory techniques including molecular biology or
biochemical techniques.
- Previous experience working with laboratory animals,
particularly mice.
- Interest in developing technical expertise in cell culture,
cellular and biochemical assays, pharmacology, and in vivo
research.
Salary Range: $20 - $25 p/hour
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.
FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Hours per Week: 29
ORP Eligible: No
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
Contact Information:
Contact Email: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org