Research Assistant - Dept. of Human & Molecular Genetics

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.

Position Summary:

A Research Assistant position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Rajan Gogna at Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine. The successful candidate chosen for this position will participate in projects focusing on the role of thermodynamic changes on Cell Competition. We are looking for a candidate with experience with thermodynamics, and desired experience and background to set up a system for the impact of cold and hot temperatures on cell-cell interactions. This is an important area to observe as the cancer is generally associated with bacterial growth which alters the local temperature readings and influences cell fate.

Core Responsibilities:

Major responsibilities in this position include performing working mammalian cell culture, and maintenance of a thermodynamic chamber to study the impact of temperature on cell-cell interactions. In addition, the candidate must participate in the design and performance of research projects, be able to report and interpret results to the principal investigator, other laboratory staff, and students, as well as assist other staff and troubleshoot experiments and instrument problems. Also, the candidate must be able to maintain detailed records of results from the experiments.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience with temperature, chambers, thermodynamic control of the cell culture chamber
• Knowledge of hyperbaric chambers
• Strong communication skills, organization and ability to present work in a clear and concise manner
• Must have a demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in past experiences or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in this field
• Bachelor or Master of (Science, Psychology, Engineering)
• Experience with cell culture and extensive experience with thermodynamic chambers, and hyperbaric chambers

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.

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

ORP Eligible: No

University Job Code: 34051-34053

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