Research Assistant, SOM, Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease

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 (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.  VCU School of Medicine comprises 18 clinical departments, eight basic health science departments, and 11 affiliated institutes and centers, and provides preeminent education to physicians and scientists to improve the quality of healthcare for humanity. 

The Clinical Hepatology Research Group at VCU, led by Dr. Juan Pablo Arab, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Predoctoral Research Trainee to join our dynamic team. This position provides an opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects focused on liver diseases, with an emphasis on alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and the intersection of metabolic and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD). The ideal candidate will be passionate about clinical and translational research, with a strong interest in hepatology and related fields. 

Research Technicians perform a variety of routine, technical, and administrative responsibilities in support of research at the university. They perform duties such as the following: collecting specimens, preparing materials, operating and maintaining equipment, ordering lab supplies, and maintaining inventory. They also assist with data analysis and report writing. They may work independently or as a member of a team. They work under general supervision, resolving most standard issues independently and referring complex issues to an upper-level manager. Technicians typically report to a manager or director or may report to a department administrator. The successful candidate must be reliable, have solid attention to detail, be willing to follow instructions precisely.  

Position Responsibilities: 

The Stravitz-Sanyal Liver Institute seeks a motivated Clinical Research Assistant to join the clinical research team. The job duties for this position include and are not limited to the following: 

-Assist in the design and implementation of research studies related to hepatology, including data collection, processing, and analysis.
-Perform laboratory and/or computational work as needed, such as molecular assays, database management, or biostatistical analyses.
-Conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses to support ongoing research projects.
-Prepare, organize, and maintain research data for presentations, publications, and grant submissions.

-Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and fellows. 
-Participate in regular lab meetings and contribute to discussions on research progress and strategies.  

Minimum Hiring Standards: 

-Knowledge of liver disease pathophysiology and management.
-Prior experience conducting systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or working with large datasets (e.g., GBD data).
-Familiarity with IRB processes and clinical research compliance.
- Ability to work in a diverse environment is required.
- Relevant lab and/or clinical research experience
-Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a diverse environment.
-The successful candidate must be reliable, have solid attention to detail. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

-Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., medicine, biology, biochemistry, public health, or related disciplines).
-Experience in clinical research, preferably in hepatology, metabolic diseases, or related areas.
-Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proficiency in software such as STATA, R, or similar tools is highly desirable.
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
-Highly organized with attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment. 
Physical and Cognitive Requirements: 
Light to medium lifting (up to 40 lb), fast pace, multiple stimulation, intense customer interaction, frequent change, memory, reasoning, hearing, reading, analyzing, logic, and verbal and written communication.

Additional Information: 

ORP Eligible: - NO
Hours / weeks - 40 hours weekly 
Title Details:  Research Laboratory Technician     
University Title: Clinical Research Assistant    
University Code: 34001N-34003N (1 -3)
University Job Family: Research & Innovation  

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

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. 

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.

Demetria Patterson
demetria.patterson1@vcuhealth.org