Lab/Research Technician 1 - 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:

Participate in research on the molecular neurobiology and genetics of alcohol or drug abuse. Perform standardized and specialized laboratory procedures (involves handling and dissection of rodents, brain microinjections, RNA/DNA isolation, PCR, or RNAseq, cell culture, behavioral studies). Conduct experiments professionally and accurately. Compile data; document and communicate findings to supervisor. Organize data into spreadsheets and/or graphs, perform statistical analyses and distribute as requested. Conduct quality control studies and other data analysis of RNAseq data. Maintain lab cleanliness and equipment. Order supplies as needed. Maintain lab records. Help coordinate general lab duties of other lab members. Train graduate and summer students in various techniques used in the laboratory.

Core Responsibilities: 

• Perform standardized and specialized laboratory procedures (involves handling and dissection of lab animals, brain microinjections, RNA/DNA isolation, RNAseq, Western blotting, sectioning and staining of brain tissue, immunofluorescence microscopy, etc.). Conduct experiments professionally and accurately
• Compile data; document and communicate findings to supervisor. Organize data into spreadsheets and/or graphs, perform statistical or bioinformatics analysis as needed and distribute as requested. Conduct quality control studies on RNAseq data
• Read pertinent literature to fully understand principles and basis for research. Participate in laboratory meetings, including presentation of findings. Assist in preparation of data for inclusion in publications, grants or presentations
• Assist in maintaining lab cleanliness and equipment (some of which is very expensive and sophisticated). Order supplies as needed. Maintain all lab records
• Assist in training graduate and undergraduate students in various techniques used in the laboratory and general laboratory duties

Minimum Hiring Standards: 

B.S. or B.A. degree in Psychology or Neuroscience. Must have hands-on actual research lab experience in: general lab procedures and terminology and ability to learn new tasks, knowledge of scientific and technical principles, practices and regulatory requirements, laboratory animal (rodent) behavioral studies, and good communication and organizational skills. Hands-on experience with brain immunofluorescence microscopy imaging of multiple-labeled specimens is required. 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: 

Prefer experience with preparation and analysis of qRT-PCR data, research lab exposure to both animal model and human behavioral studies, laboratory or coursework exposure to studies on drug or alcohol use disorders.

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

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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