Lab/Research Technician 3 - Dept. of Anatomy and Neurobiology

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Position Summary:

The objective of this position is to provide expert technical assistance with the day-to-day and research operations of a molecular and behavioral neuroscience laboratory in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology. The responsibilities of this position include maintaining the laboratory, which includes general laboratory purchasing, maintenance, and training personnel. However, most of the effort should be directed to participating in the research aims of the laboratory. This could include: 1) performing mouse behavioral assays, including drug self-administration experiments, 2) maintaining and performing experiments in immortalized mammalian cell culture preparations, OR 3) performing bench-top molecular biology experiments, with emphasis on epigenetics/chromatin biology. Contributing to these research aims would yield the candidate authorship on conference proceedings and manuscript publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Such technical and research support will help the PI maintain the laboratory, recruit postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, and maintain external funding.

The laboratory investigates the neurobiology of drug addiction and depression with emphasis on neuroepigenetic mechanisms. The lab utilizes a broad cross-section of approaches including: design and synthesis of neuroepigenetic editing CRISPR constructs, cloning, mammalian cell culture and transfection, qRT-PCR, Western blot, mouse stereotaxic surgery and viral gene delivery, IHC, confocal imaging, mouse behavioral assays, RNA-isolation and library prep, RNA-sequencing, and ChIP-sequencing. Familiarity with some of these techniques is strongly preferred, as the candidate will be managing purchases to help retain these techniques within the lab. The job requires attention to detail, problem-solving, and a willingness to work closely with a diverse team to advance the mission of the laboratory.

Minimum Hiring Standards: 

The successful candidate is expected to have experience in at least one of the following research areas:

1) handling laboratory rodents, preferably mice 2) sterile techniques in cell culture, OR 3) molecular biology / biochemistry wet-lab experience. Required is previous experience in a laboratory setting, with experience in purchasing equipment and reagents, laboratory maintenance, and overseeing laboratory personnel. Any additional experience in relevant laboratory techniques is seen as highly desirable. Minimum educational qualifications include a BS in a related field or equivalent training and experience, as well as basic computer skills. Knowledge of neuroscience and/or molecular biology is highly desirable.

Other responsibilities include: maintaining detailed record keeping of experimental design, protocols, samples and procedures; assisting with the preparation of data for presentations at scientific meetings, publications in journals and assist the PI in writing technical reports, summaries and grant proposals. Must have excellent communications skills. Candidate must have 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 Hiring Standards: 

The ideal candidate with have experience working as a laboratory technician within the VCU system and be familiar with the process of ordering equipment/reagents and maintaining institutional compliance. Compensation will be commensurate to experience and expertise in the research areas emphasized in this posting.

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.

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

University Job Code: 34053

ORP Eligible: No

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!

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