Research Lab Technician, School of Medicine​/Neurology

Duties & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

Join an active research laboratory in Neurology and participate in translational muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular research teams. This translational group focuses on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of muscular dystrophies, developing therapies, and identifying biomarkers for use in clinical trials. The role will focus on laboratory work promoting these goals through preclinical drug trials and characterization of novel mouse models, as well as performing molecular biology techniques such as molecular cloning, qRT-PCR, Western blots or immunoassays, ELISA, microscopy, and immunostaining.

In addition, cell culture techniques such as cell passaging, drug treatments, maintenance and differentiation of iPSC, and transfection of cell lines is desirable.

Bench work with animal models of muscular dystrophies (35%):

• Perform animal inventory and mouse colony maintenance
• Perform animal husbandry pairing, separating, weaning, and ear punching
• Organize and implement tissue specimen collection and freezing

Bench work with molecular and cellular models of muscular dystrophies (35%):

• Isolate and prepare protein, DNA and/or RNA from multiple sample types
• Transform, isolate, grow, and harvest bacterial cultures for plasmid production
• Perform DNA digestions, ligations, and other molecular biology methods
• Perform PCR analyses for a variety of applications
• Prepare culture media
• Prepare other standard laboratory reagents
• Perform immortalized cell and induced pluripotent stem cell culture
• Keep up-to-date modifications of all Biosafety protocols

Project Implementation (20%):

• Help implement and maintain data management systems for various projects in the lab
• Keep meticulous records from multiple experiments
• Document procedures for new methods developed
• Keep inventory records of lab samples and reagents
• Anticipate lab reagent needs on a weekly basis
• Assist in writing and editing manuscripts

Other Tasks & Duties as assigned (10%):

• Perform daily and weekly lab maintenance tasks, such as biohazard waste removal or cleaning of shared laboratory spaces (gel bench or tissue culture room)
• Assist where needed with other activities to assist with day‑to‑day management of center operations

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate level degree in science
• 2 or more years of experience in a laboratory
• 1‑2 years of experience with cellular models, processing samples, sequencing
• 1‑2 years of experience working independently in a laboratory setting
• Proficient in the use of computers with the ability to learn new systems and software applications easily. Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe.
• Pro‑actively ask questions and seek guidance when needed
• Excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Strong problem solving and time management skills, including ability to adapt to frequent changes in work assignments, prioritize and manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Demonstrated work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with faculty, staff and students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1‑2 years of experience with cell culture, PCR and protein analysis
• 1‑2 years of experience with laboratory training or education
• 1‑2 years of experience with a team science approach

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

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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.

Contact Name: Eric Hunsley
Contact Email: hunsleye