Lab​/Research Technician - Microbiology and Immunology

Advertising

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 MBU

Department: Microbiology and Immunology

Department Summary: Located on the MCV Campus in downtown Richmond, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology is home to a vibrant community of researchers, educators and learners. With a strong history of research funding, our department strives to advance scientific knowledge in the biomedical sciences and inform medical advancements that improve patient outcomes. Our innovative studies span a broad spectrum of areas within the fields of microbiology and immunology:

• Allergy and autoimmunity
• Host-pathogen interactions and molecular pathogenesis
• Human microbiome science and microbial genomics
• Reproductive immunology
• T-cell therapy and vaccine development
• Tumor biology, cell signaling and epigenetics

As educators, we are proud to provide a collaborative, collegial learning environment for our students. Faculty and postdoctoral fellows serve as dedicated mentors, providing an individualized educational experience and shaping the next generation of successful scientists.

The laboratory technician will assist the Principal Investigator, postdoctoral scientists, and graduate students with extramurally funded research projects investigating interactions among sensory neurons, immune cells, and epithelial cells in the skin. The goals of the research projects will be to:

For this research, the successful candidate must have a background in neurobiology or immunology, either through coursework or, preferably, lab work. Priority will be given to those with experience handling mouse models; expertise with the preparation of mouse tissues such as the skin, lymph nodes, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and spinal cord (SC), mammalian tissue culture; cryosectioning and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometric analysis (FACS).

Basic molecular biology and general lab skills are also required, including general lab and equipment maintenance, monitoring and ordering reagents, and maintenance of the mouse colony.

• Oversee the lab’s mouse colony and genotyping through PCR
• Help maintain lab cleanliness
• Be responsible for monitoring and reporting lab safety issues
• Reagents and supplies ordering
• Maintenance of lab equipment

• Evaluation of neuron populations in DRG, SC, and skin
• Monitoring mouse itch and pain behavior
• Preparation of tissues for analysis with FACS, ELISA, and IHC

• Diligently keep laboratory notebook of all experiments
• Track use of key reagents

• Support experiments by preparing cells, reagents, etc.
• Start or complete experiments if lab member has other obligations.

• Bachelor of Science in the life sciences, preferably biology with experience in neuroscience or immunology, or equivalent experience
• Basic lab skills such as pipetting, making solutions, lab safety.
• Computer skills including data management, word processing, Excel, etc.
• A demonstrated proficiency in keeping detailed notes, files, and records organized
• Ability to effectively multitask
• Attention to detail
• A strong, diligent work ethic
• Excellent communication skills
• 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…