Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science Research Lab Technician - Hourly

Advertising Summary: We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented hourly laboratory technician to support ongoing research in a neuroscience-focused laboratory studying the effects of opioids and HIV on brain function and neurocognitive outcomes. The technician will assist with routine laboratory operations and contribute to a range of experimental activities.

Unit: School Of Pharmacy MBU

Department: Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science Department

About Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU is a top 50 public research university with a genuine commitment to student success and community service. One of just a handful of universities to receive both a "Very High Research Activity" status and a "Community Engaged" designation from the Carnegie Foundation, VCU also hosts the region's top-rated medical center. The medical campus is home to top-ranked programs in Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Public Health, and Health Professions, as well as the Center for Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Care, the Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Pauley Heart Center, the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, among many other institutes and centers.

About School of Pharmacy

The School of Pharmacy (SOP) has a 127-year tradition beginning with the Medical College of Virginia and continuing to the present. Ranked in the Top 20 of Schools of Pharmacy nationwide, the SOP is dedicated to graduating outstanding future scientists and pharmacists who will develop new medicines and therapies, improve human health, foster exemplary research, and provide sustaining contributions to interprofessional patient care.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include supporting general lab maintenance (e.g., reagent preparation, inventory management, and organization), assisting with animal studies (including surgical support and daily health monitoring in accordance with approved protocols), and participating in experimental procedures. Techniques may include qPCR, Western blotting, cell culture, protein analysis, flow cytometry, and behavioral assays. The ideal candidate is organized, responsible, and able to follow detailed protocols, with a willingness to learn new techniques and work collaboratively as part of a research team.

• Protocol Execution: Perform routine experimental procedures (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, cell culture, or assays) following established lab SOPs and under the supervision of senior personnel.
• Data Management: Meticulously document all experimental procedures, observations, and results in a laboratory notebook or digital database to ensure data integrity.
• Inventory & Ordering: Monitor laboratory inventory, track usage of consumables, and coordinate with the PI or Lab Manager to place orders as needed.
• Equipment Care: Conduct routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment (e.g., pipettes, centrifuges, incubators) to ensure proper functioning and safety.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere strictly to VCU Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) guidelines, including proper handling of hazardous materials and disposal of biohazardous waste.
• Sample Processing: Assist in the collection, labeling, and organized storage of biological or chemical samples for ongoing research projects.
• Scientific Discovery: Actively participate in the "bench-to-bedside" process by troubleshooting assays and analyzing experimental results, contributing directly to the lab’s ongoing publications or grant applications.
• Collaborative Brainstorming: Join weekly lab meetings and journal clubs to discuss emerging research, share your project updates, and build the critical thinking skills needed for your future graduate studies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related life science field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant training.
• A minimum 6 months of hands-on laboratory experience (can include undergraduate research or lab-based coursework).
• Proficiency in basic laboratory math (example, calculating molarity and dilutions) and record-keeping.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work directly with mice and rats and comply with all animal care and safety protocols.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Bench Skills: Prior experience with specialized techniques (like PCR or Cell Culture) beyond basic coursework.
• Strong Analytical Skills: Familiarity with Excel or GraphPad Prism for organizing and graphing experimental data.
• Proven Record-Keeping: Demonstrated ability to maintain a detailed, legible, and organized laboratory notebook.
• Scientific Communication: Experience presenting research findings (e.g., in lab meetings or at a student symposium).

Salary Range: $22 per hour

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: Average 29 hours

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 93405 - Open

Contact Information:
Contact Name:  Mary Peace McRae
Contact Email:  mpmcrae@vcu.edu