Postdoctoral Fellow - SOM Internal Medicine - Hematology, Oncology, & Palliative Care

Postdoctoral Fellow

School of Medicine, Internal Medicine - Hematology, Oncology & Palliative Care

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. VCU School of Medicine comprises 18 clinical departments, eight basic health science departments, and 11 affiliated institutes and centers, and provides preeminent education to physicians and scientists in order to improve the quality of healthcare for humanity.

The postdoctoral fellow will work on an NIH-funded R21 grant project focusing on the development of mouse models for marginal zone lymphomas. The fellow will be responsible for designing and conducting in vivo and ex vivo experiments using genetically engineered and xenograft mouse models to study lymphoma pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions. This position will involve tumor monitoring, sample collection, molecular analysis, and drug administration studies. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to analyze data, prepare manuscripts for publication, and contribute to grant applications while collaborating with other researchers within the institution.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Animal Handling & Colony Maintenance (20%)

• Oversee the genotyping and maintenance of mouse colonies for lymphoma studies.

• Perform regular health checks and ensure compliance with IACUC protocols

2. Tumor Monitoring & Drug Administration (20%)

• Conduct tumor burden assessments using imaging and caliper-based measurements
• Administer experimental drugs via intravenous, intraperitoneal, and oral routes

3. Tissue & Blood Collection (15%)

• Collect lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and peripheral blood samples for analysis
• Process tissues for downstream applications including histopathology and immunophenotyping

4. Flow Cytometry & Molecular Studies (20%)

• Perform multi-parameter flow cytometry to characterize immune and tumor cell populations
• Conduct molecular assays including qPCR, western blotting, and RNA extraction

5. Data Analysis & Scientific Writing (15%)

• Analyze experimental data using statistical and bioinformatics tools
• Prepare figures, reports, and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications
• Contribute to grant writing and research presentations

6. Laboratory Management & Collaboration (10%)

• Maintain accurate research records and manage lab supplies.
• Train junior researchers and assist in collaborative research projects

Required Qualifications:

• Postgraduate training in biology, immunology, or molecular biology
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in molecular techniques including western blotting, RNA extraction, and qPCR
• Experience with bioinformatics tools for RNA sequencing and molecular pathway analysis
• Experience in flow cytometry and analysis of immune cell populations
• Expertise in tumor microenvironment studies and therapeutic interventions
• Strong publication record in hematologic malignancies or immuno-oncology is preferred
• Familiarity with IACUC animal research compliance and protocol development
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills

Benefits:
Full-time employees at VCU have available a variety of benefits options that include group health, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, flexible reimbursement accounts, a 403(b) tax-deferred annuity and 457 deferred compensation plans. Detailed information about each benefit can be found at https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/postdoctoral-employee-benefits/

Additional Information:
Position is for one (1) year, with the possibility for renewal pending successful performance review.

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

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.