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 laboratory personnel with extramurally funded research projects investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate intestinal immunity, host-microbiota interactions, and mucosal inflammation. Research projects combine immunology, microbiology, metabolism, and genetically engineered mouse models to understand how immune cells communicate with the intestinal environment during homeostasis and disease.

The successful candidate should have a background in immunology or a related biomedical field through coursework or, preferably, laboratory experience. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in flow cytometric analysis (FACS) of complex immune populations, ideally using spectral flow cytometry; handling and breeding genetically engineered mouse models; preparation of lymphoid and intestinal tissues for immunological analysis; and basic molecular biology techniques. General laboratory maintenance, ordering supplies, maintaining mouse colonies, and assisting with training new laboratory personnel are also expected responsibilities.

Core Responsibilities:​

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

• Isolation and characterization of immune cells from intestinal and lymphoid tissues using flow cytometry
• Functional analysis of innate and adaptive immune cell populations
• Assist with mouse models of intestinal inflammation and infection
• Perform immunological, molecular, and cellular analyses of experimental mouse models

2.) Laboratory maintenance

• Assist with management of the laboratory mouse colony, including breeding and genotyping
• Help maintain laboratory organization and cleanliness
• Monitor laboratory safety and report safety concerns
• Assist with ordering laboratory supplies and maintaining laboratory equipment
• Train new laboratory members in standard laboratory techniques, including flow cytometry sample preparation and mouse tissue collection

3.) Maintaining proper records

• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and experimental records
• Track laboratory reagents, inventories, and mouse colony records
• Assist with data organization and record keeping

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

• Prepare reagents, cells, and experimental materials
• Assist with ongoing research projects and collaborative experiments
• Help complete experiments when needed to ensure project continuity

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, or another related life science discipline
• Basic laboratory skills including pipetting, solution preparation, sterile technique, and laboratory safety
• Familiarity with flow cytometry (FACS)
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and data management
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team
• Strong communication and interpersonal 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 experience working in a biomedical research laboratory
• Experience in immunology, microbiology, or related biomedical research
• Experience with FlowJo or other flow cytometry analysis software
• Experience with multicolor and/or spectral flow cytometry
• Experience working with genetically engineered mouse models, including breeding and colony management
• Experience with PCR, qPCR, genotyping, Western blotting, or other molecular biology techniques
• Experience isolating immune cells from lymphoid and/or intestinal tissues
• Experience with tissue culture techniques
• Experience with data analysis and scientific record keeping​

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

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