Lab/Research Technician - Microbiology and Immunology

The laboratory technician will assist the Principal Investigator, postdoctoral scientists, and graduate students with extramurally funded research projects investigating interactions among sensory neurons, immune cells, and epithelial cells in the skin. The goals of the research projects will be to:

1. →To study how neurons and immune cells promote protection against skin-invading parasites.
2. →To define how sensory neurons and their mediators modulate T lymphocytes in the context of psoriasis.
3. →To determine the actions of parasitic helminths on neurons that evoke itch and pain.

For this research, the successful candidate must have a background in neurobiology or immunology, either through coursework or, preferably, lab work. Priority will be given to those with experience handling mouse models; expertise with the preparation of mouse tissues such as the skin, lymph nodes, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and spinal cord (SC), mammalian tissue culture; cryosectioning and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometric analysis (FACS). Basic molecular biology and general lab skills are also required, including general lab and equipment maintenance, monitoring and ordering reagents, and maintenance of the mouse colony.

1.) Laboratory maintenance

• →Oversee the lab’s mouse colony and genotyping through PCR
• →Help maintain lab cleanliness
• →Be responsible for monitoring and reporting lab safety issues
• →Reagents and supplies ordering
• →Maintenance of lab equipment

2.) Under the direction of the PI, carry out mouse-based neurobiology and immunology experiments

• →Evaluation of neuron populations in DRG, SC, and skin
• →Monitoring mouse itch and pain behavior
• →Preparation of tissues for analysis with FACS, ELISA, and IHC

3.) Maintaining proper records

• →Diligently keep laboratory notebook of all experiments
• →Track use of key reagents

4.) Assisting other lab members with experiments, as directed by the PI (10% effort time)

• →Support experiments by preparing cells, reagents, etc.
• →Start or complete experiments if lab member has other obligations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in the life sciences, preferably biology with experience in neuroscience or immunology, or equivalent experience
• Basic lab skills such as pipetting, making solutions, lab safety.
• Computer skills including data management, word processing, Excel, etc.
• A demonstrated proficiency in keeping detailed notes, files, and records organized
• Ability to effectively multitask 
• Attention to detail
• A strong, diligent work ethic
• Excellent 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

• At least one year of prior experience working in a biomedical laboratory
• Experience working with mice, maintaining a mouse colony, breeding, harvesting blood and organs from mice
• Familiarity with the study of peripheral neurobiology and/or immunology
• Experience with cryosectioning and IHC
• Experience with molecular biology (e.g., plasmid preparation, Western blot, PCR, qPCR)

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