Lab Technician - Pharmacology and Toxicology

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.

• Behavioral and physiological studies: evaluate mice in different pain studies, perform nerve conductance studies, and administer drugs orally, subcutaneously, and intraperitoneally.
• Reward and withdrawal studies: conduct alcohol, opiate, and nicotine withdrawal studies, perform conditioned place preference tests in mice, use minipumps surgery, and handle two‑bottle choice tests for reward studies. Measure spontaneous activity, light–dark boxes, withdrawal signs, rotarod test, and rectal temperature.
• Data entry, reduction, statistical analysis, and graphic presentation: complete analysis of all experiments on a weekly basis and prepare data for weekly meetings.
• General laboratory maintenance, clerical work, and lab safety: perform tasks as instructed without delay or error, and order supplies and animals as needed.

• B.S. in Chemistry, Biology, or an equivalent field.
• Previous research lab experience (student or employee) with general lab skills such as weighing and solution preparation.
• Experience working with rodents and laboratory animals.
• Good communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to administer drugs to rodent laboratory animals.
• Knowledge of behavioral models of pain.
• Willingness to learn and use behavioral models of reward and dependence.

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, a tax‑deferred annuity with a cash match program, employee discounts, well‑being resources, and abundant opportunities for career development and advancement.

$40,000 – $45,000