VCU Jobs and Career Opportunities at Virginia Commonwealth University

Overview of Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), located in Richmond, Virginia, is a major public research university founded in 1838 as the Medical College of Virginia. It has grown into a comprehensive institution with over 31,000 students across two campuses: the academic Monroe Park Campus and the medical MCV Campus. VCU is classified as an R1 research university, meaning it has very high research activity, and is known for its strengths in health sciences, fine and performing arts, business, engineering, and social work. The university's motto, 'Mission Driven,' reflects its commitment to community engagement, innovation, and diversity.

Richmond, the capital of Virginia, provides an ideal setting for VCU employees, blending urban vibrancy with historical charm. As a hub for arts and culture, it offers proximity to museums, riverside trails, and a thriving food scene. Jobs at Virginia Commonwealth University attract professionals seeking impactful roles in higher education, where they can contribute to groundbreaking research and teaching in a dynamic environment.

Career Opportunities at VCU

Jobs at Virginia Commonwealth University span faculty, staff, and administrative positions. Faculty roles include tenure-track professors, lecturers, and adjunct professor jobs in departments like the School of the Arts (one of the top-ranked in the U.S.) and the School of Medicine. Research positions, such as research assistant jobs and higher ed jobs/postdoc opportunities, are abundant at centers like the Massey Cancer Center and the Center for Molecular and Structural Imaging.

Administrative jobs cover areas like student affairs, HR jobs in higher ed, and executive roles. VCU also posts community college jobs through partnerships and clinical research jobs via its health system. For a full list of position types, explore university job types. Current openings can be found on their eJobs portal, with frequent postings in nursing, pharmacy, and kinetic imaging.

• Tenure-track faculty in biomedical engineering
• Postdoctoral fellows in neuroscience
• Staff positions in IT and facilities
• Lecturer jobs in business administration

VCU's emphasis on interdisciplinary work means jobs often involve collaboration across schools, such as in urban health initiatives.

Definitions

To help understand jobs at Virginia Commonwealth University, here are key terms:

• Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to tenure after 5-7 years of successful performance in teaching, research, and service, providing job security.
• R1 university: Carnegie classification for doctoral universities with very high research activity, like VCU, indicating substantial funding and output.
• Postdoc: Postdoctoral fellowship, a temporary research position after PhD for advanced training, common at VCU's research centers.
• Adjunct professor: Part-time teaching role without tenure track, often for specialized courses.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, Skills, and Competencies

📊 For faculty jobs at VCU, a PhD in the relevant field is typically required, such as a PhD in chemistry for science roles or EdD for education positions. Research focus should align with VCU's priorities, including health disparities, arts innovation, and nanotechnology.

Preferred experience includes 3+ years of postdoctoral work, 5+ peer-reviewed publications, and grant experience (e.g., NIH R01 awards). Skills like data analysis using R or Python, grant writing, and student mentoring are essential. Competencies in inclusive teaching and community-engaged research are highly valued, reflecting VCU's mission.

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree
• Publications in high-impact journals
• Teaching portfolio with student evaluations
• Interdisciplinary collaboration experience

Staff roles may require a bachelor's degree plus certifications like SHRM-CP for HR jobs.

Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Virginia Commonwealth University begins with visiting the VCU eJobs website. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, research statement (2-3 pages detailing past and future work), teaching statement, and three letters of recommendation. Interviews often include job talks and meetings with faculty.

Actionable tips:

• Customize your materials to VCU's Quest strategic plan, emphasizing diversity and innovation.
• Network at conferences like AEA or College Art Association.
• Use how to write a winning academic CV for formatting.
• Follow up post-interview and prepare for virtual components.
• Highlight Richmond-specific interests, like community health projects.

Review free cover letter template resources. The process takes 3-6 months, with rolling deadlines for some roles.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

🌍 VCU is committed to diversity through its Quest initiative, aiming for inclusive excellence. The Office of Inclusion and Diversity supports faculty with recruitment via the ADVANCE program, funded by NSF, targeting underrepresented groups. Affinity groups like the Black Faculty & Staff Alliance and LGBTQ+ initiatives foster belonging. VCU tracks metrics like faculty diversity rates (35% underrepresented minorities) and offers bias training. Recent efforts include the Cultural Competency Curriculum for all hires.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

VCU promotes work-life balance with 24 days annual leave, parental leave (12 weeks paid), sabbaticals every 6 years for faculty, and wellness programs like gym access and counseling. The Employee Wellness Initiative includes fitness challenges and mental health days.

Campus life in Richmond is engaging: Monroe Park Campus features the Siegel Center arena and Anderson Gallery; MCV Campus has hospitals and labs. Employees enjoy events like VCU Pride Month, Rams football games, and proximity to the James River for kayaking. Richmond's cost of living is affordable (median home $320K), with a vibrant arts scene via First Fridays. Commute is easy via GRTC buses or biking paths. For career advice, see employer branding secrets and postdoctoral success.

Benefits and Professional Development

VCU offers competitive benefits: health insurance (95% premium coverage), TIAA retirement matching up to 9.4%, tuition waivers for employees/dependents, and professional development via the Faculty Development Academy. Research seed grants up to $50K support new hires.

Why Choose Jobs at VCU?

With $400M+ annual research expenditures and rankings like #4 in fine arts (US News), VCU provides growth opportunities. Nearby UVA's dynamics offer regional context; see UVA presidential hiring. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com.