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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:

This position will support the work of a funded research laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. The successful applicant will be an integral part of a team that is investigating the separate and combined effects of opioid use disorder and HIV infection on the central nervous system. The applicant will provide both technical and analytical support for the Pl and for trainees in the lab, leading to publication of research findings and new applications for grant funding. The applicant will be trained in/use techniques including primary neural cell culture, cryosectioning, immunochemistry, confocal microscopy, and quantitative morphology, and will perform experiments as directed by the Pl. The applicant will also organize data and assist with data analysis and presentation using appropriate software. Other tasks include general laboratory maintenance and maintenance of specific equipment used in their work.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

B.S. in chemistry, biology or related discipline; B.A. with appropriate science coursework; AS degree with 1 + year successful experience in a basic science laboratory.  Spoken and written communication skills that facilitate interaction with Pl and other lab members.  No objection to working with experimental animals (mice). 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

Experience in laboratory settings outside of classes in the area of neuroscience. Experience with either neural cell culture or microscopy of the central nervous system. Experience with Excel, Prism, R Language, or specialized software associated with confocal microscopy (such as Zeiss Zen), and 3D reconstruction of neurons and glia (such as Imaris or Neurolucida).  Experience in any of the specialized areas of research we pursue as listed in the first paragraph above (such as opioid use disorder) would be advantageous but is neither required nor expected.

Salary Range: Commensurate starting at $40k

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: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

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

Contact Name:
Contact Email: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org