Hourly Research Specialist - Pharmacology and Toxicology

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: Pharmacology and Toxicology

Department Summary: The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to an outstanding education of professional and graduate students as well as to cutting edge research. The atmosphere of the department is one of congeniality and collaboration. Alumni of the department have achieved prominent roles in academia, industry, and government. The goal of the department is to contribute to improved health through a better understanding of the mechanism of action of safer and more effective therapies. The education of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have the potential to become independent, highly regarded scientists and excellent teachers in pharmacology is a priority.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Manage mouse colonies, prepare drugs, and handle mice, including intraperitoneal and subcutaneous drug administration. Conduct behavioral assays, including place conditioning, Y-maze, warm-water tail-withdrawal, hot-plate paw-withdrawal, and locomotor testing, using our animal models to determine behavioral differences and monoamine transporter function and expression between knock-in and wild-type mouse models. Conduct all experiments efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with lab protocols. Use animals appropriately and humanely, following all guidelines. Recognize unexpected or inconsistent results and seek assistance from the supervisor. Achieve consistent experimental outcomes. Prioritize and coordinate experiment requests from lab managers. Exercise sound judgment and decision-making to determine appropriate procedures. Document results from each experiment thoroughly, accurately, and promptly. Compile data for reports, identify test outcomes, and discuss results with PIs. Catalog results and other materials. Clean and sterilize glassware and instruments according to lab procedures. Monitor laboratory stock and notify managers when ordering is required. Maintain laboratory cleanliness. Weekend work may be required.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required. A minimum of an undergraduate degree in pharmacology, biochemistry, neuroscience, molecular biology, or a closely related field is required. Must have good communication skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to conduct thoughtful, independent experiments.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in mouse colony management and rodent handling, and intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration of drugs is preferred. Previous experience conducting behavioral assays using mouse models, including place conditioning, Y-maze, warm water tail-withdrawal, hot-plate paw withdrawal, and locomotor assays, is desired. Experience in conducting transporter functional assays and Western blot analysis is also favorable.

Salary Range: $17-$20/hr

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: 6-8 hours

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: Lab/Research Technician (Hourly)

Contact Information:

Contact Email: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org