Postdoctoral Fellow - Department of Oral & Craniofacial Molecular Biology - School of Dentistry

Unit:
School of Dentistry

Department:
Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology

Position Responsibilities:

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join the laboratory of Dr. Anthony Faber at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. This position provides research duties essential to the success of the Faculty, Postdocs and students in the Faber lab. The candidate will be performing mammalian cell culture, dissolving/diluting drugs, drug treating mammalian cell lines, generating stable cell lines using retro- and lenti-virus vectors, protein immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, qPCR, as well as standard molecular biology techniques (plasmid DNA preparation, gel electrophoresis).

The candidate will be performing routine research activities as assigned, including in vitro drug screens to find new therapies for cancer and will be dosing laboratory animals and animal husbandry. Direct and interpret experiments. Assist in writing papers and grant applications. Competency in Python or R preferred as is Ability to analyze complex omics data.

• Laboratory Management: Assist in maintenance of laboratory equipment. Assist in cleaning freezers and refrigerators when needed. Participate in all laboratory and departmental meetings. Maintain and keep clean all space used in experiments.
• Inventory Management: Order all items required for research experiments as needed. Assist in maintaining and replenishing common chemicals and reagents as needed. Receive all training required to maintain purchasing privileges.
• Laboratory Safety: Perform all duties required of Chemical Hygiene officer, including yearly CHP update. Dispose of all chemical and biological waste in compliance with university and OSHA regulations. Replace items in first aid and spill kits as needed. Assist in arranging required inspections of equipment. Maintain certification for shipping of hazardous materials.
• Laboratory Experimentation: Perform animal and lab-based experiments as requested by the supervisor. Present and discuss data in meetings. Maintain laboratory notebooks recording the experiments. Prepare scientific data for manuscripts.

Required Qualifications:

• The candidate will have at a minimum a Ph.D. in the field of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, or molecular biology.
• Prior experience in working in a research laboratory performing experiments (especially mammalian cell culture, dissolving/diluting drugs, drug treating mammalian cell lines, protein immunoblotting, qPCR, as well as standard molecular biology techniques such as plasmid DNA preparation and gel electrophoresis) is required.
• Must be self‑motivated, eager to learn and reliable.
• Attention to detail in experimental techniques and record‑keeping is critical.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work independently.
• Have strong organization skills and the ability to maintain the regulatory documents for laboratory research involving animals.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex omics data, some coding experience preferred.
• 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 Postdoctoral Fellow at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working with targeted therapies in solid tumors, in particular pediatric cancers.
• Working with cell death pathways in solid tumors, in particular pediatric cancers.

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

Salary Range: Commensurate

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Restricted Position: Yes

Hours per Week: 40

Employment Type: PD – Post Doc

University

Job Title:

Postdoctoral Fellow

Rank: Non‑Faculty

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Dr. Anthony Faber

Contact Email: acfaber