Research Lab Technician, Department of Surgery Trevino & Lee (622320)

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: Massey Comprehensive Cancer Ctr MBU

Department: Massey Research Support

Duties & Responsibilities:

Overview

The Research Laboratory Technician will provide technical and operational support to the collaborative research programs of Dr. Jose Trevino (Surgical Oncology) and Dr. Seung Lee (Transplant Surgery) within the VCU Department of Surgery. This shared position will play a key role in advancing translational research focused on cancer biology, immunology, and transplant science.

The technician will assist in daily laboratory operations, including the maintenance of cell cultures, mouse colonies, and biospecimen inventories, as well as the preparation of reagents and execution of standard molecular, cellular, and histological techniques. Responsibilities include data collection and entry, ensuring compliance with institutional safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating with both principal investigators and laboratory staff to support ongoing research projects.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to work independently across two research teams, and a commitment to scientific rigor and collaboration.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Laboratory Operations & Maintenance
• Maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment inventory for both research groups.
• Ensure proper use, cleaning, and calibration of shared equipment.
• Maintain compliance with biosafety, animal care, and institutional research standards.
• Experimental Support
• Conduct molecular biology, cell culture, and immunological assays (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry).
• Assist with animal studies, including mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, and tissue collection (with appropriate training and IACUC approval).
• Support sample processing, labeling, and storage of human and animal specimens.
• Collect, record, and analyze experimental data under supervision of the PIs and senior lab members.
• Regulatory and Administrative Support
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic records.
• Assist in preparing materials for IACUC, IRB, and biosafety submissions and renewals.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with all VCU, NIH, and funding agency policies.
• Collaboration and Communication
• Coordinate research efforts between the Trevino and Lee laboratories to support shared goals.
• Participate in lab meetings, report progress, and assist with manuscript and grant preparation as needed.
• Foster a collaborative, organized, and efficient shared laboratory environment.

 Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.  At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experience. Bachelor's degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

• Knowledge in relevant scientific field, research techniques and methods
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures
• Analytical skills and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Verbal and written communication 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

• Bachelor's degree in a related field 

Salary Range: $51,600 - $57,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, 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

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 34051N - Lab/Research Technician 1

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Janelle Fortes
Contact Email: Janelle. Fortes@vcuhealth.org