Director, Tissue Core, SOM, Stravitz Sanyal institute for Liver Disease

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. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

Position Summary:

The Director of the Tissue Core will be critical to support the scientific mission of the Liver Institute. The Institute has recently onboarded a Chief Scientific Officer and our scientific strategic plan requires the hiring of this position to support core projects designated as main-line projects for SSLI related to tissue/histology, molecular biology and spatial transcriptomic studies. Assistant Directors support strategic goals and the university mission by providing daily administration of a research program or administrative function. They are operational managers responsible for the supervision and development of staff or the development and implementation of services.

Core Responsibilities:

-Oversee histology procedures (tissue processing, staining, scanning, SHG imaging)
-Working with Dept. of Pathology for development of immunohistochemistry methods
-Oversee confocal, Digital and Fluorescence microscopy, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics equipment at SSLI
-Work with VCU imaging core and Massey imaging core to facilitate imaging of tissue for SSLI members
-To oversee collection and storage on preclinical tissue and histology and work with Biorepository staff to ensure safe storage and retrieval
-To work collaboratively with the Director of the Biorepository and SSLI IT team for seamless integration of tissue core and biorepository activities
-To work with Director of SSLI and Chief Scientific Officer and Director of Biorepository to review requests for mouse tissue by 3rd parties external to VCU
-Ensure timeliness of scanning of all patient liver biopsies for Hepatology (for those who have signed biorepository consent) and to work with Director of Biorepository and Data IT team to ensure compliance and ability to retrieve histology for analytics
-To work with Hepatology faculty to host liver biopsy conference for training program and maintain histology access for teaching conferences
-Develop and maintain a charge master for use of imaging core for different tiers of SSLI members and for grant development
-Oversee and conduct histology-based imaging studies and image capture/analysis for research projects.
-To oversee maintenance of equipment related to histological and microscopy studies
-To meet with SSLI members who need histology and microscopy services to facilitate protocol development and set up study implementation and use of core facilities.
-To maintain record of utilization of equipment and services for tissue/histology and link these to grant applications and grant funding obtained using these core facilities.
-Responsible for training activities within the core for use of microscopy and tissue equipment.

25% - Design and Analysis of specific projects related to tissue/histology, molecular biology and spatial transcriptomic studies
15% - Design and work with SSLI Data Core Omics scientists to design studies using spatial transcriptomics, proteomics and single cell RNA seq
10% -Design and implement data flow from SSLI core lab to bioinformatics team
25% - Work with Biorepository and IT teams to ensure data integrity and storage of data in a secure manner
25% - Participate in meetings with external sponsors related to access to directors’ projects and develop scope of work packages for review by the director and SSLI leadership and compliance prior to approval for sharing.

Minimum Hiring Standards:

-Master’s of Science in basic science discipline
-At least 15 years of experience in Histology Lab management with experience in tissue culture, molecular pathology and histology
-At least 10 years of experience in histology research study design and oversight
-Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications:

-Strong problem solving and time management skills are essential, including ability to prioritize and manage competing priorities and deadlines
-Continuously assess operations of unit assigned; identify needs and direct process improvement initiatives or communication strategies aimed to increase departmental efficiency and effectiveness
-Must Have excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communications skills, be proactive in asking questions and seeking guidance when needed
-Must be precise, thorough, and reliable and perform daily activities with minimal supervision
-Must be proficient in the use of computers with an ability to learn new systems and software applications with ease
-Proficiency in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe required
-Ability to work as part of a dynamic team in a diverse environment required

Additional Information:

ORP Eligible: - YES

Hours / weeks - 40 hours weekly
Title Details: Director, Tissue Core
University Title: Assistant Director RS 1-3
University Code: (32331Y-32333Y)
University Job Family: Research & Innovation

The position will remain open until a candidate is selected.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.