Post-doctoral fellow - Department of Pathology

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. Post-doctoral employees are eligible for VCU’s 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, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more. Explore post-doctoral benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/postdoctoral-employee-benefits/. 

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:

We are looking for a skilled and energetic post-doctoral fellow with experience in cytogenetics/genetics to work on an exciting new project funded by an NIH Award from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. Dr. Jackson-Cook’s research team has identified acquired genetic, telomeric, and epigenetic changes associated with aging, stress following childhood adversity, treatments for breast cancer, and mosaic Down syndrome. The talented individual who fills this position will contribute to an ongoing longitudinal research project designed to provide a lifespan assessment of the trisomy 21-specific aging process, with goals of: (1) identifying targets for developing treatments to alleviate age-related symptoms in people with mosaic or non-mosaic Down syndrome; and (2) yield new biomarkers and/or algorithms to gauge health risks in people with mosaic or non-mosaic Down syndrome. The person filling this position will also have an opportunity to learn about diagnostic cytogenetic testing.

The purpose of this position is to provide high quality analyses of the chromosomal/genetic complement of specimens studied, including assessments of micronuclei frequency and contents, telomere length, aneuploidy assessment, structural chromosomal rearrangements, and DNA markers. This will be achieved by attaining the following skills:

 - Use of optimal sterile techniques for tissue culture, maintenance of conditions for in vitro cell division, and a thorough examination of the number and structure of chromosomes in all cells scored.
 - Analysis of chromatin using molecular cytogenetic techniques, including FISH technology
 - Isolation of DNA and analysis of DNA marker patterns
 - Compilation and communication of study results.

Required Qualifications:

PhD or MD degree in Human Genetics, Genetics, or a life science program. Working knowledge of cell biology, cytogenetics, and general laboratory skills. Manual dexterity and the ability to perform sterile technique. Experience with FISH technology/interphase FISH methodology, knowledge of GTG-banding patterns, and keen observational skills. DNA extraction, dilution, and amplification skills
Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.  A sense of responsibility and respect for study participants and data confidentiality. 

Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a postdoc employee at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience in cytogenetics preferred

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.

ORP Eligible: Yes

This is a restricted position with no set end date and 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!

Salary Range: Commensurate with NIH

Position Details:

Department: Department of Pathology
Employment Type: PD - Post Doc
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Ann-marie Taranto

Contact Email: ann-marie.taranto@vcuhealth.org