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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.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology is soliciting applications for a Laboratory Technician to perform experiments and related duties to study substance misuse. Responsibilities include rodent handling, behavioral testing, and rodent survival surgery. Additional duties include maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks and electronic databases, preparing and administering drug solutions, and maintaining a clean and well-stocked laboratory. Prior experience working with laboratory rodents and performing survival surgery is highly preferred. Applicant must be willing to work weekends regularly.

Core Responsibilities: 

• Perform behavioral experiments in rodents
  • Carefully conduct behavioral experiments in rodents
  • Prepare and administer drug solutions via various routes of administration
  • Provide humane care to laboratory animals in accordance with national and University guidelines
• Conduct survival surgery in rodents
  • Perform survival surgery under anesthesia using aseptic technique in rodents
  • Perform post-operative monitoring to assess general health and recovery
• Data management and record keeping
  • Perform diligent record-keeping and maintenance of physical (i.e., lab notebooks) and electronic (e.g., Microsoft Excel or similar) databases
  • Perform regular backups of computer systems
• Maintain a clean and well-stocked laboratory environment
  • Perform regular cleaning of laboratory environment including sensitive test equipment following written protocols
  • Monitor laboratory inventory and report ordering needs to supervisor and/or laboratory manager in a timely manner

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Must be dependable, detail-oriented, and able to follow written and verbal instructions accurately. 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

Prefer college graduate and laboratory experience in the biomedical sciences. A college degree in a related area (e.g., biology, chemistry, psychology) is preferred, but not required. Prior experience working with laboratory animals and performing survival surgery is highly desired. Proficiency with both Microsoft Windows and MacOS operating systems as well as Microsoft Office software.

Salary Range: $40,000–$45,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, 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.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

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

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 34051-34053 - Lab/Research Technician 1-3

Contact Information:

Contact Email: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org