Hourly Lab Technician - Dept. of Pharmacology & 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, 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

Position Description:

The Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology is seeking to recruit an hourly lab technician to work in Dr. Selley’s lab performing and developing in vitro assays to assess the actions of novel neuroactive drugs using molecular, biochemical and cellular approaches. This position would efficiently, accurately and according to laboratory protocols, conduct studies on cultured cell lines and animal tissue (brain and spinal cord), including various in vitro assays. Procedures include, but are not limited to, radioligand binding assays, cell-based assays (with plate reader readout), radio enzyme assays, gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, spectrophotometry, immunolabeling and reagent preparation.

This position would also maintain cell cultures using sterile technique, clean glassware and instruments daily as needed according to lab procedures, monitor laboratory for appropriate containment of radioactivity and monitor stock in laboratory and order supplies when necessary.

Required Qualifications:

Must have thorough knowledge of general laboratory procedures and terminology. Must be able to conduct multiple experiments in a temporally overlapping manner, communicate effectively and interact positively with co-workers in the laboratory, department and university. Must be able to work efficiently and positively in a diverse environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prefer master’s or bachelor’s degree in a life science program (biology, biochemistry, biopsychology, pharmacology, etc.) and at least 6 months of experience working in a research laboratory, performing molecular biology, cell biology and/or biochemistry techniques.

Hours/Days: Up to 29 hours per week

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.

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