Lab/Research Technician - Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology

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.

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.

Position Summary: 

Lab Technicians perform a variety of routine, technical, and administrative responsibilities in support of research at the university. This position will conduct laboratory studies with the nematode C. elegans to characterize neuronal mechanisms of action of drugs of abuse. Maintenance and construction of C. elegans strains, genetic mapping and gene identification, characterization of mutant phenotypes including behavioral analyses, data handling, and analysis of gene function. Techniques include microscopy, genetics, PCR and gel electrophoresis, SNP analysis, computer-assisted locomotion and behavior tracking, plasmid construction, and numerous methods specific to C. elegans biology. Responsibilities will also include general management of the laboratory reagents, solutions and culture media.

Core Responsibilities: 

1. Careful maintenance of C. elegans strains to use in behavioral assays and genetic manipulations
2. Perform behavioral analysis of C. elegans strains
3. Collect data and communicate data to supervisors
4. Perform general lab maintenance (make sterile media, solutions, etc., note items that need to be ordered, keep lab bench environments clean, etc.)
5. Assist with undergraduate student training (train students in lab techniques, data collection and analysis)

Minimum Hiring Standards: 

A thorough understanding of classical genetics. High degree of motivation and interest in learning how genetic and molecular methods can be applied to study underlying neurobiology of alcohol intoxication and tolerance in C. elegans. Good communication skills, strong work ethic, and the ability to conduct thoughtful, independent experiments. Prior research experience and strong grades in relevant coursework. Must have a demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in past experiences or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in genetics, neuroscience, molecular biology or a closely related field and experience with model genetic organisms
• Prior experience with C. elegans

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: 34051-34053

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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