Senior Scientist, SOM, Karpen Lab-Stravitz-Sanyal Institute Liver Disease

Unit

School Of Medicine MBU

Institute for Liver Disease

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.

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The Karpen Lab is hiring a Senior Scientist that will serve as a highly independent scientific leader within the laboratory, contributing deep expertise in liver and hepatobiliary biology to advance our research. This role requires extensive experience with mouse models of metabolic and hepatobiliary disease, advanced cell and in particular, organoid culture systems. Hands‑on experience with metabolic, molecular, cellular and imaging‑based approaches to study liver pathobiology are essential.

The Senior Scientist will lead the design and execution of complex experimental studies, drive innovation in liver‑relevant model systems including sophisticated cholangiocyte isolation and organoid and assembloid cultures, ensuring rigorous data analysis and interpretation. In addition to scientific leadership, the position will have a role in mentoring junior personnel, supporting manuscript and grant development, and fostering a collaborative, respectful and inclusive research environment aligned with VCU's institutional values.

• We emphasize personal suitability and believe that you are a structured and organized person with attention to details, who likes to work in an environment with high demands on quality.
• We seek an enthusiastic learner with appropriate communication skills to collaborate well with others and also enjoys working against a deadline.

Design, lead, and independently execute complex research projects focused on metabolic and hepatobiliary disease, with a focus on cholestatic conditions. Develop, optimize, and apply mouse models of liver and biliary disease, including in vivo phenotyping and tissue analysis. Establish and maintain advanced primary cell culture systems and assembloids, with a strong emphasis on epithelial cells, organoids, and isolation and culture of mouse cholangiocytes.

Apply expertise in cell signaling, developmental biology, membrane biology, and bile acid signaling to guide hypothesis‑driven research. Molecular expertise in analyzing membrane and ciliary signaling would be a highlight. Perform and oversee standard molecular and biochemical analyses, including DNA, RNA, and protein‑based assays, immunoblotting, and imaging‑based techniques. Utilize and support advanced confocal and in‑vivo imaging approaches for mechanistic and translational studies.

Analyze, interpret, and synthesize complex datasets with high scientific rigor and critical judgment. Contribute substantially to manuscript preparation, data presentation, and grant applications, supported by a strong publication record. Mentor and train junior scientists, students, and staff, promoting technical excellence, independence, and professional development. Foster a laboratory environment grounded in respect & professionalism.

• ORP Eligible: YES
• Hours / weeks: 40 hours weekly
• Title Details: SR Scientist
• University
  
  Title:
  
  SR Scientist, RS 1-3
• University Code: 33244Y-33246Y
• University Job Family:
  Research & Innovation

• PhD in Molecular or Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology or other relevant discipline.
• Experience with mouse models of metabolic disease or hepatobiliary disease.
• Experience with cell signaling and developmental biology.
• Experience with membrane biology and…