Sr. Lab Technician

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Senior Lab Technician for its Neurology research team. The role involves conducting laboratory work on muscular dystrophy, including preclinical drug trials and molecular biology techniques. Responsibilities include mouse handling, RNA and protein analysis, and training students. Candidates should have a BS in Science and at least 5 years of lab experience. The position is located in Richmond, VA, and is not remote.
Sr. Lab Technician | School of Medicine | Neurology

Benefits of working at VCU include a robust benefits package with comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning, and more.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Senior Lab Technician to join an active research laboratory in Neurology. The successful candidate will participate in translational muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular research teams, focusing on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of muscular dystrophies, developing therapies, and developing biomarkers for clinical trials.

The position involves laboratory work, including preclinical drug trials and characterization of novel mouse models. The ideal candidate will have experience with molecular biology techniques such as qRT-PCR, Western blots, ELISAS, microscopy, and immunostaining. Cell culture techniques, including cell passaging, luciferase assays, drug treatments, and transfection of cell lines, are also desirable.

Core Responsibilities:
• Carry out murine preclinical trials for various muscular dystrophy model mice, including mouse handling, colony maintenance, genotyping, functional analysis, IACUC protocol updates, Biosafety protocol updates, tissue specimen collection, sample preparation for RNA, DNA, or protein extraction, and histological analysis.
• Perform RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and qPCR analysis using Taqman probes and a Quant Studio 7 Pro; understand delta delta ct values to determine relative gene expression.
• Perform protein extraction, protein quantification, and subsequent Western or Jess assays (Protein Simple Analysis).
• Prepare muscle sections for immunostaining or histology staining via cryosectioning.
• Perform histological stains such as H&E, Sirius Red/Fast Green, or trichrome.
• Perform immunofluorescence on muscle sections, image using a VS200 Slide Scanning microscope.
• Perform image analysis of muscle using Image J.

Project Implementation:
• Help implement a data management system for various projects in the lab.
• Maintain meticulous records from multiple experiments.
• Document procedures for new methods developed.
• Keep inventory records of lab samples and reagents.
• Anticipate lab reagent needs on a weekly basis.
• Assist in writing/editing manuscripts.

Lab Training:
• Train graduate and undergraduate students in basic laboratory practices and techniques.
• Train new lab members in mouse handling.

Qualifications:
• BS in Science.
• 5 or more years of experience in a laboratory.
• Standard molecular biology and/or histology techniques.
• Experience with cellular models, processing samples, and animal models.
• Experience working independently in a laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in relevant scientific field.
• Experience with mouse phenotyping, genetic crosses, model characterization, and/or preclinical drug trials.
• Experience with heart function and/or muscle physiology.
• Experience with protein-based assays.
• Experience with cell-based assays.
• Experience in laboratory training or education.
• Experience with sequencing techniques or analysis (RNAseq, ChIP-seq, etc.).
• Experience with a team science approach.
• Experience with IACUC including guidelines and protocol submissions.

This is a restricted position with no set end date; continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance. We strive for a workplace that reflects the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve.

Salary Range: $59,000 - $65,000

Target Hire Date: May 12, 2025