Research Technician, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Craniofacial Biology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Research
Posted on July 29, 2023
Position Responsibilities:
There is an open position in the Faber laboratory for a part-time (up to 29 hours/week) research technician to study cancer therapeutics in pediatric cancers. The Faber laboratory studies new therapeutic interventions for adult and pediatric solid tumor cancers with the primary goal to translate these findings into clinical trials. There is an open position in the Faber laboratory for a part-time (up to 29 hours/week) research technician to study cancer therapeutics in pediatric cancers. This position provides research duties essential to the success of the Faculty, Postdocs and students in the Faber lab. The candidate will be performing mammalian cell culture, dissolving/diluting drugs, drug treating mammalian cell lines, generating stable cell lines using retro- and lenti-virus vectors, protein immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, qPCR, animal drug experiments, as well as standard molecular biology techniques (plasmid DNA preparation, gel electrophoresis). He/she will be performing routine research activities as assigned, including in vitro based drug screens to find new therapies for cancer and will be dosing of laboratory animals and animal husbandry. Direct and interpret experiments. Devise new experiments.
Primary Purpose:
- Laboratory Management: Assist in maintenance for laboratory equipment. Assist in cleaning freezers and refrigerators when needed. Participate in all laboratory and departmental meetings. Maintain and keep clean all space used in experiments.
- Inventory Management: Order all items required for research experiments as needed. Assist in maintaining and replenishing common chemicals and reagents as needed. Receive all training required to maintain purchasing privileges.
- Laboratory Safety: Perform all duties required of Chemical Hygiene officer, including yearly CHP update. Dispose of all chemical and biological waste in compliance with university and OSHA regulations. Replace items in first aid and spill kits as needed. Assist in arranging for required inspections of equipment. Maintain certification for shipping of hazardous materials.
- Laboratory Experimentation: Perform animal and lab-based experiments as requested by the supervisor. Present and discuss data in meetings. Maintain laboratory notebooks recording the experiments. Prepare scientific data for manuscripts.
- BS in the field of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology required
- Prior experience working in a research laboratory performing experiments (especially mammalian cell culture, dissolving/diluting drugs, drug treating mammalian cell lines, protein immunoblotting, qPCR, as well as standard molecular biology techniques (plasmid DNA preparation, gel electrophoresis)) is required
- Must be self-motivated, eager to learn and reliable
- Attention to detail in experimental techniques and record keeping is critical
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and experience and ability to work independently
- Have strong organization skills and ability to maintain the regulatory documents for laboratory research involving animals
- Masters in the field of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology
- Have previous experience with handling mice is a plus but not required
Position Details:
Department: VCU School of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology
Employment Type: H1 - Hourly
Restricted Status: Yes, dependent upon continued funding
FTE: 5.80
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Janet Sweeney
Contact Email: jlsweeney@vcu.edu