Senior Lab Technician, Muscular Dystrophy Translational Research - School of Medicine / Neurology

Sr. Lab Technician, Muscular Dystrophy Translational Research Program, School of Medicine / Neurology

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. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

Summary

The Sr. Lab Technician will join an active research laboratory in Neurology and participate in a genetic nerve and
muscle disorders program. This translational group is focused on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of the
muscular dystrophies, development of therapies for these conditions, and developing biomarkers for use in clinical
trials. This position would focus on laboratory work that would promote these goals through cellular models,
sequencing of patient and animal samples, and analysis of therapeutic compounds.

Duties and Responsibilities

(50%): Bench Work with cellular models (human and animal) on the muscular dystrophies, including
developing myoblast lines, culturing and differentiating iPSC5 and maintaining neuronal cultures
o Perform PCR analyses for RNA splicing events
o Prepare DNA and RNA for sequencing platforms
o Prepare cell cultures and other tissue preparations for immunohistochemistry
o Isolate RNA and DNA for sequencing across various projects
o Prepare culture media
o Prepare other standard laboratory reagents

(30%): Project Implementation
o Develop scope of work
o Implement and conduct the project in the lab including accurate and complete recordkeeping
o Assist in data analysis
o Provide input in designing subsequent experimental methodologies

(20%): Lab Training
o Training of graduate and undergraduate students in basic laboratory practices and
techniques

Essential Qualifications

• BS in Science
• 5 or more years of experience in a laboratory
• Experience with cellular models, processing samples, sequencing, animal models, heart function and muscle physiology
• Experience working independently in a laboratory setting
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment
or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in relevant scientific field
• Experience with cell culture, PCR and protein analysis
• Experience with laboratory training or education
• Experience with a team science approach
• Experience with IACUC submissions

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; continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

This position is not ORP eligible

Position will remain open until filled

UNIVERSITY TITLE: SENIOR LAB/RESEARCH TECHNICIAN 1-3 (34054)

Salary Range: up to $59,000/annually



Position Details:

Department: Neurology / 1590
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt



Contact Information:

Contact Name: Kristen Evans

Contact Email: kristen.evans1@vcuhealth.org

Contact Phone: