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, postdoctoral scientists, and graduate students with extramurally funded research projects investigating interactions among sensory neurons, immune cells, and epithelial cells in the skin. The goals of the research projects will be to:

1. To study how neurons and immune cells promote protection against skin-invading parasites.
2. To define how sensory neurons and their mediators modulate T lymphocytes in the context of psoriasis.
3. To determine the actions of parasitic helminths on neurons that evoke itch and pain.

For this research, the successful candidate must have a background in neurobiology or immunology, either through coursework or, preferably, lab work. Priority will be given to those with experience handling mouse models; expertise with the preparation of mouse tissues such as the skin, lymph nodes, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and spinal cord (SC), mammalian tissue culture; cryosectioning and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometric analysis (FACS). Basic molecular biology and general lab skills are also required, including general lab and equipment maintenance, monitoring and ordering reagents, and maintenance of the mouse colony.

Core Responsibilities:

1.) Laboratory maintenance

• Oversee the lab’s mouse colony and genotyping through PCR
• Help maintain lab cleanliness
• Be responsible for monitoring and reporting lab safety issues
• Reagents and supplies ordering
• Maintenance of lab equipment

2.) Under the direction of the PI, carry out mouse-based neurobiology and immunology experiments

• Evaluation of neuron populations in DRG, SC, and skin
• Monitoring mouse itch and pain behavior
• Preparation of tissues for analysis with FACS, ELISA, and IHC

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 (10% effort time)

• 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 neuroscience or immunology, or equivalent experience
• Basic lab skills such as pipetting, making solutions, lab safety.
• Computer skills including data management, word processing, Excel, etc.
• A demonstrated proficiency in keeping detailed notes, files, and records organized
• Ability to effectively multitask 
• Attention to detail
• A strong, diligent work ethic
• 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 of prior experience working in a biomedical laboratory
• Experience working with mice, maintaining a mouse colony, breeding, harvesting blood and organs from mice
• Familiarity with the study of peripheral neurobiology and/or immunology
• Experience with cryosectioning and IHC
• Experience with molecular biology (e.g., plasmid preparation, Western blot, PCR, qPCR)

Salary Range: $41,600-$46,000

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

Flexible Work Agreement: fully onsite

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

University Job Title: Lab/Research Technician 1-3 (34051-34053)

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

Contact Information:

Contact Email: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org