Laboratory Research Specialist

Position Information

University Code 34054 University Title Senior Lab/Research Technician 1 University Job Family Research & Innovation ORP Eligible No For more information on ORP, visit: Retirement Plans
Recruitment Pool All Applicants Recruitment Type Multi Title Scope of Search Regional Working Title Laboratory Research Specialist Position Number 591440 Is this employee on a H1B Visa? Position Type Staff Job Status Full-Time FLSA Indicator Non-Exempt Employee Group University Employee Department Microbiology and Immunology Organizational Overview

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities

The laboratory specialist will assist the Principal investigator in conducting extramurally funded research projects that seek to understand the molecular pathogenesis of intracellular bacterial pathogens (Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Orientia tsutsugamushi) and to develop novel approaches for protecting against the infections that they cause. This will include autonomous experimental design, performance, and excellent record keeping with the end result being publication ready materials. The individual will oversee general laboratory operations to include ordering; maintenance of IACUC, IRB, and biosafety protocols; maintenance of lab equipment, and fixed assets. The individual will assist with mouse colony maintenance.

Minimum Hiring Standards

- Bachelor’s degree in the life sciences or equivalent training/experience.
- At least two years’ prior experience working in a laboratory
- Experience in working with mice, maintaining a mouse colony, breeding, performing infection experiments in mice, harvesting blood and organs from mice.
- Previous lab experience involving flow cytometry, cultivation of a BSL -2 pathogen, cultivation of intracellular bacteria, and molecular biology skills.
- Experience in working with BSL -2 and/or BSL -3 pathogens or a willingness to be trained to work with Orientia tsutsugamushi in a BSL -3 laboratory.
- Computer skills including data management, word processing, Excel
- A demonstrated proficiency in keeping detailed notes, files and records organized
- Ability to effectively multitask
- A strong, diligent work ethic.
- The candidate should be able to perform tasks autonomously.
- Ability to work in a diverse environment.

Preferred Hiring Standards

- Master’s degree
- Experience in mammalian cell culture.
- Skills in molecular biology (performing knock out-complementation in bacteria, PCR, RT- PCR, real-time PCR, western blot, cloning, DNA / RNA /protein isolation, 1D and 2D PAGE ), recombinant protein expression and purification, transfection, immunofluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, biochemistry, and a working knowledge of general chemistry, familiarity with concepts of pH, concentration, molarity, and the metric system.
- Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification, handling mice, using the mouse model to study disease.
- Experience with tick-transmitted diseases and using ticks to infect mice.
- Computer skills including Prism, protein modeling, molecular biology software, web browsing, and Powerpoint

Required Licenses/ Certifications Anticipated Hiring Range $31,900 - $50,000 Application Process/Additional Information Campus MCV Campus Hours/Week 40 Normal Work Days/Hours Monday to Friday Job Open Date 01/11/2021 Posting will close on or before Open Until Filled Yes Job Category Research Is this a restricted position? Yes Is this position eligible to participate in alternative work arrangements? No Sensitive Position Yes- A pre-employment fingerprint background check will be required. Resource Critical No Quick Link https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/102684 Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have experience with mammalian cell culture under sterile conditions?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have experience working with a biosafety level 2 or 3 pathogen? If not, are you comfortable working at these biosafety levels?
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
3. * Please describe your experience with immunofluorescence microscopy.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
4. * Please describe your experience with the following assays or research areas: western blot, ELISA, PCR, bacterial genetics, yeast genetics.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
5. * Please describe your proficiency with microsoft excel and graphpad prism.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   

Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Resume

Optional Documents