Senior Research Scientist - Dept. of Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Medicine

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:

This position will support the research work in the laboratory at the Massey Cancer Center and the Department of Human and Molecular Genetics. The successful applicant will be an integral member of a team that is investigating the immune mechanisms in disease pathogenesis including cancer and developing immune-based approaches to improve the current treatments. The applicant will develop, conduct, coordinate, and supervise the research activities in the laboratory of the principal investigator(s). Besides hands-on laboratory experience in primary cell culture, gene transfection, protein purification, flow cytometry, immunoblotting and qRT-PCR, the applicant must have expertise in mouse disease models and animal surgical procedures including cell inoculation, tissue collection and preparation. The position requires creativity, high motivation, solid communication skills and experience in writing manuscripts for peer reviewed publications. The applicant needs to work independently or as a team member resolving routine-to-complex issues in coordination with the principal investigator/PI(s).

Core Responsibilities: 

1.) Experimental Work/Data Collection:

• Design and perform experiments within planned timeframe
• Depending on the nature of the task, the applicant may work independently, as a member of a team, or direct members of the laboratory team to perform experiments
• Analyze and interpret data
• Draw conclusions and be able to strategically plan the next step in coordination with the PI as appropriate
• Keep detailed and organized records of the work, the methodology, and the outcomes

2.) Data Analysis, Preparation and Presentation:

• Use appropriate templates/software to record data, analyze (including statistical analyses) and interpret data
• Use appropriate software to generate and present findings in a variety of media—including scientific posters, platform presentations, and in publications
• Write sections of manuscripts or drafts of complete manuscripts and participate in authorship
• Summarize research data and help prepare grant applications

3.) Laboratory Maintenance:

• Work with lab members to ensure that the lab is generally clean and safe, and that equipment is properly maintained and in working order
• Perform assigned maintenance tasks related to your own work (for example, periodic cleaning of cell culture incubators, defrosting freezers, recalibration of equipment)
• Adhere to federal and state regulations related to workplace safety and DEA compliance
• Work independently as appropriate, as well as professionally and efficiently within a research group

Minimum Hiring Standards: 

• M.S. or equivalent degree in biomedical science
• Spoken and written communication skills that facilitate interaction with PI and other lab members
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology and immunology as well as in vitro and in vivo
• 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: 

• A strong publication record in the research area of immunology
• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biomedical science with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience
• Experience with rodent in vivo and primary in vitro approaches in the setting of immunology research
• Experience with Excel, PowerPoint, and Prism

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.

ORP Eligible: Yes

University Job Code: 33244-33246

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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