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.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The laboratory technician will assist the Principal Investigator and senior scientists with extramurally funded research projects that seek to understand the cellular and molecular control of the immune response. The goals of the research projects will be to:

1. To study the function of T cells in autoimmune diseases
2. To develop and analyze new genetically engineered mouse models.

For this research, the successful candidate must have a background in immunology via classwork or, preferably, lab work. Priority will be given to those with experience with flow cytometric analysis (FACS) of complex immune populations, preferably using spectra flow; expertise with handling genetically engineered mouse models; expertise with the preparation of mouse tissues such as the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow; expertise with the generation of bone marrow chimeric mice. Basic molecular biology and general lab skills are also required. General lab and equipment maintenance, monitoring and ordering reagents, training new lab personnel and assistance with the mouse colony are also requirements. 

Core Responsibilities:​

1.) Under the direction of the PI, carry out mouse-based immunology experiments

• Analysis of immune cell infiltration of the pancreas by FACS and IHC
• Functional analysis of T cells
• Monitoring disease progression
• Immunological analysis of mice

2.) Laboratory maintenance

• Help with overseeing the lab’s mouse colony
• Helping maintain lab cleanliness
• Be responsible for monitoring and reporting lab safety issues
• Training new lab members in FACS analysis, mouse dissection and other basic skills

3.) Maintaining proper records

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

4.) Assisting other lab members with experiments, as directed by the PI

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

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in the life sciences, preferably biology with experience in immunology
• Basic lab skills such as pipetting, making solutions, lab safety
• Familiarity with flow cytometric analysis (FACS)
• Computer skills including data management, word processing, Excel, etc.
• A demonstrated proficiency in keeping detailed notes, files and records organized
• Ability to effectively multitask 
• A strong, diligent work ethic
• Attention to detail
• 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 staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one-year prior experience working in a biomedical laboratory
• Familiarity with the study of immunology
• Experience with FACS analysis programs such as FlowJo
• Experience with analysis of gene expression data
• Experience with molecular biology (e.g., plasmid preparation, Western blot, PCR, qPCR)
• Experience in working with mice, maintaining a mouse colony, breeding, harvesting blood and organs from mice

Salary Range: $40,000-$45,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

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

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 34051-3 - Lab/Research Technician 1-3

Contact Information:

Contact Email: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org