Research Assistant (Hourly), Department of Pediatrics

Position Summary:
This purpose of this position is to provide support for research activities conducted within Dr. Michael McVoy's laboratory. Dr. McVoy's lab has a long history of NIH-funded investigations into the molecular biology, immunology, and pathogenesis of human cytomegalovirus, a virus that causes significant disease in immunocompromised patients and devastating birth defects when acquired in utero.

The Research Assistant will contribute to a grant-funded research project to conduct in vitro/cell culture-based experiments to define the molecular mechanisms of cytomegalovirus RL13 temperance factor restrictions to viral replication. Consequently, this position is contingent on grant-funding.

Core Responsibilities:
•(20%) Design, construct, and propagate mutant cytomegalovirus genomes using mutagenesis of bacterial artificial chromosome clones in E. coli.
•(60%) Conduct biochemical and genetic investigations into the mechanisms of RL13 temperance and anti-temperance polymorphisms through examining their impact on viral replication, protein localization, protein-protein interactions, protein-stability, viral DNA replication, virion morphogenesis, virion egress, and spread of infection via cell-free and cell-cell routes.
•(20%) Participate in weekly meetings with supervisor, monthly group lab meetings, assist in training of junior laboratory members, prepare and submit abstracts for scientific meetings, prepare draft figures and text for grant proposals, presentations, and manuscripts.

Minimum Hiring Standards:
•Doctoral degree in molecular virology.
•Experience propagating human cell lines in vitro, including fibroblast and retinal pigment epithelial cells.
•Experience conducting cell culture-based experiments with cytomegalovirus.
•Experience propagating and titrating viral stocks.
•Experience designing and constructing viral mutants using bacterial artificial chromosome recombineering techniques in E. coli.
•Experience characterizing viral mutants through growth curves, focus formation assays, immunofluorescence, western blotting, qPCR, qRT-PCR, and DNA sequencing.
•Evidence of independence in design, execution, and interpretation of molecular virology experiments.

Preferred Qualifications:
•Working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, EndNote, ImageJ, MacVector, and Prism software.
•Strong written and verbal communication skills, including grant and manuscript preparation.
•Excellent organization, time management, and critical thinking skills.
•Ability to work independently and with others in the laboratory environment.
•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.

This position is open until filled.

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.

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.

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.