"Senior Scientist, SOM, The Karpen Lab-Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease"

Job Details

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. VCU School of Medicine comprises 18 clinical departments, eight basic health science departments, and 11 affiliated institutes and centers, and provides preeminent education to physicians and scientists to improve the quality of healthcare for humanity.

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Institute for Liver Disease

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. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

Position Summary:

The Karpen Lab is hiring a Senior Scientist that will serve as a highly independent scientific leader within the laboratory, contributing deep expertise in liver and hepatobiliary biology to advance our research. This role requires extensive experience with mouse models of metabolic and hepatobiliary disease, advanced cell and in particular, organoid culture systems. Hands-on experience with metabolic, molecular, cellular and imaging-based approaches to study liver pathobiology are essential. The Senior Scientist will lead the design and execution of complex experimental studies, drive innovation in liver-relevant model systems including sophisticated cholangiocyte isolation and organoid and assembloid cultures, ensuring rigorous data analysis and interpretation. In addition to scientific leadership, the position will have a role in mentoring junior personnel, supporting manuscript and grant development, and fostering a collaborative, respectful and inclusive research environment aligned with VCU’s institutional values.

Who are we looking for?

-We emphasize personal suitability and believe that you are a structured and organized person with attention to details, who likes to work in an environment with high demands on quality.

-We seek an enthusiastic learner with appropriate communication skills to collaborates well with others and also enjoys working against a deadline.

Core Responsibilities:

• Design, lead, and independently execute complex research projects focused on metabolic and hepatobiliary disease, with a focus on cholestatic conditions.
• Develop, optimize, and apply mouse models of liver and biliary disease, including in vivo phenotyping and tissue analysis.
• Establish and maintain advanced primary cell culture systems and assembloids, with a strong emphasis on epithelial cells, organoids, and isolation and culture of mouse cholangiocytes.
• Apply expertise in cell signaling, developmental biology, membrane biology, and bile acid signaling to guide hypothesis-driven research. Molecular expertise in analyzing membrane and ciliary signaling would be a highlight.
• Perform and oversee standard molecular and biochemical analyses, including DNA, RNA, and protein-based assays, immunoblotting, and imaging-based techniques.
• Utilize and support advanced confocal and in vivo imaging approaches for mechanistic and translational studies.
• Analyze, interpret, and synthesize complex datasets with high scientific rigor and critical judgment.
• Contribute substantially to manuscript preparation, data presentation, and grant applications, supported by a strong publication record.
• Mentor and train junior scientists, students, and staff, promoting technical excellence, independence, and professional development.
• Foster a laboratory environment grounded in respect & professionalism.

Additional Information:

ORP Eligible: - YES
Hours / weeks - 40 hours weekly
Title Details: SR Scientist
University Title: SR Scientist, RS 1-3
University Code: 33244Y-33246Y
University Job Family: Research & Innovation

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity.

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• PhD in Molecular or Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology or other relevant discipline.
• Experience with mouse models of metabolic disease or hepatobiliary disease.
• Experience with cell signaling and developmental biology
• Experience with membrane biology and bile acid signaling are strongly considered.
• Experience with primary cell culture, epithelial cells or organoids, with isolation and culture of mouse cholangiocytes a major prioritization.
• Experience with standard DNA, RNA and Protein analytics (imaging and immunoblotting).
• Experience with advanced confocal imaging and in vivo imaging are encouraged
• Creativity and substantial evidence of productive publication history
• Independence, scientific rigor and critical thinking
• 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.

Salary Range: $73,700 - $122,200 (commensurate with experience)

Benefits : 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 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: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Contact Information: Demetria Patterson
Contact Name: Demetria Patterson
Contact Email: demetria.patterson1@vcuhealth.org