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Benefits: 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 benefits, 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.

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Cellular and Genetic Medicine

Position Summary:

The Department of Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Medicine is in search of a Lab Manager to jointly work for the laboratories of Dr. Christopher Heier and Dr. Alyson Fiorillo at VCU's School of Medicine.  These translational groups are focused on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of muscular dystrophies, on the development of therapies for these conditions, and on developing biomarkers for use in clinical trials. This position would focus on laboratory work that promotes these goals through preclinical drug trials and the characterization of novel mouse models. Additionally, this position will include the performance of molecular biology techniques such as qRT-PCR, Western blots or immunoassays, ELISAS, microscopy and/or immunostaining.  In addition, cell culture techniques such as cell passaging, luciferase assays, drug treatments, and the transfection of cell lines is desirable.

Core Responsibilities:​

1.) Carry out murine preclinical trials for various muscular dystrophy model mice This includes:

• Mouse handling, mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, functional analysis
• Keep up-to-date modifications of all IACUC protocols
• Keep up-to-date modifications of all Biosafety protocols
• Organize and implement tissue specimen collection and freezing
• Prepare samples for RNA, DNA or protein extraction and/or histological analysis
• Perform RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and qPCR analysis using Taqman probes and a Quant Studio 7 Pro; understand the concept of utilizing delta delta ct values to determine relative gene expression
• Perform protein extraction, protein quantification and subsequent Western or Jess assays (Protein Simple Analysis)
• Perform ELISAs on serum samples or lysed muscle samples
• Prepare muscle section for immunostaining or histology staining via cryosectioning
• Perform histological stains such as H&E, Sirius Red/Fast Green, or trichrome
• Perform immunofluorescence on muscle sections, image using a VS200 Slide Scanning microscope
• Perform image analysis of muscle using Image J

2.) Project Implementation

• Help implement a data management system for the various projects in the lab
• Keep meticulous records from multiple experiments
• Write Lab SOPS for new methods developed
• Keep inventory records of lab samples and reagents
• Anticipate lab reagent needs on a weekly basis
• Assist in writing/editing manuscripts

3.) Lab Training

• Training of graduate and undergraduate students in basic laboratory practices and techniques
• Training new lab members in mouse handling

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Science
• 5 or more years of experience in a laboratory
• Standard molecular biology and/or histology techniques
• Experience with animal working with mice, working with cell lines and processing tissue
• Experience working independently in a laboratory setting
• 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 staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in relevant scientific field
• Experience with mouse phenotyping, genetic crosses, model characterization, and/or preclinical drug trials
• Experience with heart function and/or muscle physiology
• Experience with protein-based assays
• Experience with cell-based assays
• Experience in laboratory training or education
• Experience with sequencing techniques or analysis (RNAseq, ChIP-seq, etc.)
• Experience with a team science approach
• Experience with IACUC including guidelines and protocol submissions

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

University Job Code: 32301

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:up to $70,000

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Contact Information:

Contact Email: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org