Senior Lab Tech, School of Medicine, Neurology

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.

Summary:

To join an active research laboratory in Neurology and to participate in translational
muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular research teams. This translational group is 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:

 (50%): Carry out murine preclinical trials for various muscular dystrophy model mice
This includes:
o Mouse handling, mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, functional analysis
o Keep up-to-date modifications of all IACUC protocols
o Keep up-to-date modifications of all Biosafety protocols
o Organize and implement tissue specimen collection and freezing
o Prepare samples for RNA, DNA or protein extraction and/or histological analysis
o 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
o Perform protein extraction, protein quantification and subsequent Western or Jess assays
(Protein Simple Analysis)
o Perform ELISAs on serum samples or lysed muscle samples
o Prepare muscle section for immunostaining or histology staining via cryosectioning
o Perform histological stains such as H&E, Sirius Red/Fast Green, or trichrome
o Perform immunofluorescence on muscle sections, image using a VS200 Slide Scanning microscope
o Perform image analysis of muscle using Image J

 (30%): Project Implementation
o Help implement a data management system for the various projects in the lab o Keep meticulous records from multiple experiments
o Document procedures for new methods developed
o Keep inventory records of lab samples and reagents
o Anticipate lab reagent needs on a weekly basis
o Assist in writing/editing manuscripts

 (20%): Lab Training
o Training of graduate and undergraduate students in basic laboratory practices and techniques
o Training new lab members in mouse handling

Essential Qualifications:

 BS in Science
 5 or more years of experience in a laboratory
 Standard molecular biology and/or histology techniques
 Experience with cellular models, processing samples, and animal models
 Experience working independently in a laboratory setting
 Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment
or 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

Open Until Filled

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. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more.  Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

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!

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. 

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

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

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.

Kelly Cecil
kelly.cecil@vcuhealth.org