Part-Time Research Scientist, Dept. of Oral & Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry

Summary:

The Philips Institute for Oral Health Research in the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry is seeking a part time (.75 FTE) Research Scientist for the Lab of Oral & Craniofacial Innovation (LOCI). This restricted position is fully supported by extramural grant funding and focuses on the application of single-cell and spatial multiomics approaches to oral tissue biology, disease, and regeneration. VCU ranks among the top 20 institutions nationwide for NIDCR funding, with most of the funding awarded to investigators at the Philips Institute. The Research Scientist will play a central role in advancing NIH-funded projects that define the molecular and spatial architecture of oral tissues in health and disease, with an emphasis on precision diagnostics and targeted interventions. The successful candidate will work alongside interdisciplinary teams of biologists, pathologists, and computational scientists to lead research focused on epithelial-stromal interactions, immune signaling, and multicellular organization in the oral mucosa. This role offers excellent benefits, collaborative opportunities, and strong potential for scientific growth and independent project leadership. The Research Scientist will lead and execute high-impact research projects focused on the spatial and single-cell profiling of oral tissues. This is .75 FTE and is a restricted position and 100% grant funded.

Position Responsibilities:

The Research Scientist at LOCI responsibilities include designing and performing experiments using spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics, and single-cell RNA sequencing; collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to investigate cellular crosstalk in oral health, cancer, and inflammation; and analyzing and interpreting multiomic datasets with support from computational collaborators. The candidate will also contribute to manuscript and grant preparation, present findings at scientific meetings, assist in mentoring junior lab members, support collaborative initiatives within LOCI and the broader VCU community, and maintain accurate records while adhering to laboratory protocols and institutional compliance.