Lab Technician - Pharmacology and Toxicology

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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

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.

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology is actively seeking a Lab Technician to assist in the lab of Dr. Damaj. This is a full‑time Lab Technician position which will work to assess pain and addiction in preclinical models. This Lab Technician will also compile results and report to supervisor.

• Behavioral and physiological studies:
  Evaluate mice for pain studies. Nerve conductance studies. Administer drugs orally, subcutaneously, and i.p.
• Reward and withdrawal studies:
  Alcohol, opiates and nicotine withdrawal studies and conditioned place preference tests in mice. Minipump surgery. May have to come some weekends. Use of the two‑bottle choice test in mice for reward studies. Measure spontaneous activity, light‑dark boxes, withdrawal signs, rotarod test and rectal temperature.
• Data entry and reduction, statistical analysis, graphic presentation:
  Complete analysis of all experiments on a weekly basis. Have data ready to present at weekly meetings.
• General laboratory maintenance, clerical work and lab safety:
  Perform as instructed without delay or error. Order supplies and animals as needed.
• Enter the percent of work effort and describe the general responsibility.

• Required a B.S. in Chemistry or Biology or equivalent.
• Required previous research lab experience in a research lab setting (as student or employee) and general lab skills (weighing, making solutions, etc.).
• Required experience with rodents and lab animals.
• Good communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work 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.

• Knows how to administer drugs to rodent lab animals.
• Knowledge in behavioral models of pain.
• Willingness to learn and use behavioral models of reward and dependence.

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: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite