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Advertising Summary: 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. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Pharmacology and Toxicology

Department Summary: The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to an outstanding education of professional and graduate students as well as to cutting edge research. The atmosphere of the department is one of congeniality and collaboration. Alumni of the department have achieved prominent roles in academia, industry, and government. The goal of the department is to contribute to improved health through a better understanding of the mechanism of action of safer and more effective therapies. The education of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have the potential to become independent, highly regarded scientists and excellent teachers in pharmacology is a priority.

Position Summary: 

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology is seeking a motivated individual to work in a behavioral pharmacology laboratory on NIH-funded research related to developing novel medications to treat Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). This position focuses on daily care, handling and drug administration to laboratory animals.  Additionally, this position is focused on preparing and managing behavioral testing sessions including IV drug self-administration and behavioral activity/observation scoring. Lastly, this position consists of carefully recording and storing obtained data, as well as preparing drug solutions and managing IV lines using sterile technique.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Animal handling and animal health assessment
• Administer drug treatments to subjects
• Utilize computer systems to initiate and perform behavioral testing
• Routine laboratory maintenance and cleaning
• Monitor supply levels/rotate stock
• Assist with surgical procedures – prepare instrument packs, anesthetize and prepare subjects for surgery
• Requires the ability accurately record, update and maintain daily experimental data

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experience
• Must be dependable and attentive to detail
• Must be able to effectively work and communicate with supervisor and other laboratory personnel
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a hourly employee at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Must be comfortable working with animals, previous experience with laboratory rodents
• Bachelor’s degree in biology/life science or biomedical science related field

Salary Range: $20/hr

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: up to 29 hours a week

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: Hourly Lab/Research Technician (82761)

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

Contact Information:

Contact Email: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org