Research Technician | School of Medicine | Neurosurgery

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 benefit, 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. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Summary:

To join an active research laboratory in Neurology and to participate in translational muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular research teams. This translational group is focused on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of muscular dystrophies, on the development of therapies for these conditions, and on developing biomarkers for use in clinical trials. The Lab Technician would
focus on laboratory work that promotes these goals through preclinical drug trials and the characterization of novel mouse models. Additionally, this position will include the performance of molecular biology techniques such as qRT‐PCR, Western blots or immunoassays, ELISAS, microscopy and/or immunostaining. In addition, cell culture techniques such as cell passaging, luciferase assays, drug treatments, and the transfection of cell lines is desirable.

Typical Duties

Responsibility 1 (65%): Bench Work with cellular models on the muscular dystrophies, including developing myoblast lines, culturing and differentiating iPSCs and maintaining neuronal cultures

• Perform PCR analyses for RNA splicing events.
• Prepare DNA and RNA for sequencing platforms.
• Prepare cell cultures and other tissue preparations for immunohistochemistry.
• Isolate RNA and DNA for sequencing across various projects.
• Prepare culture media.
• Prepare other standard laboratory reagents.
• Keep up‐to‐date modifications of all Biosafety protocols.
• Organize and implement tissue specimen collection and freezing.
• Prepare samples for RNA, DNA or protein extraction and/or histological analysis.

Responsibility 2 (25%): Project Implementation

• Help implement and maintain data management system(s) for the various projects in the lab.
• Keep meticulous records from multiple experiments.
• Document procedures for new methods developed.
• Keep inventory records of lab samples and reagents.
• Anticipate lab reagent needs on a weekly basis.
• Assist in writing/editing manuscripts.

Responsibility 3 (10%): Other Tasks & Duties as assigned

• Assist where needed with other activities to assist with day to day management of center operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Science or equivalent experience required.
• 2 or more years of experience in a laboratory.
• Experience with cellular models, processing samples, sequencing.
• Experience working independently in a laboratory setting.
• Must be proficient in the use of computers with the ability to learn new systems and software.
• applications with ease. Proficiency in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe.
• Pro‐actively ask questions and seek guidance when needed.
• Excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong problem solving and time management skills are essential, including ability to adapt to frequent changes in work assignments, prioritize and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cell culture, PCR and protein analysis.
• Experience with laboratory training or education.
• Experience with a team science approach.

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/

This position is open until filled.

ORP Eligible: No

This is a restricted position with no set end date; continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability. 

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply

Kelly Barnes
Kelly.Cecil@vcuhealth.org