Research Lab Technician, School of Medicine / Neurology

Position Summary: To join an active research laboratory in Neurology and to participate in translational muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular research teams. This translational group is focused on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of muscular dystrophies, development of therapies for these conditions, and identifying biomarkers for use in clinical trials. This position would focus on laboratory work that promotes these goals through preclinical drug  trials and the characterization of novel mouse models. Additionally, this position will include the performance of molecular biology techniques such as
molecular cloning, qRT-PCR, Western blots or immunoassays, ELISA, microscopy and/or immunostaining. In addition, cell culture techniques such as cell passaging, drug treatments, maintenance and differentiation of iPSC, and the transfection of cell lines is desirable.

Core Responsibilities:

Bench work with animal models of muscular dystrophies. Including animal husbandry, delivery/injection of experimental therapeutics, and harvest of tissues for analysis. (35%)

• →Perform animal inventory and mouse colony maintenance
• →Perform animal husbandry pairing, separating, weaning, and ear punching
• →Organize and implement tissue specimen collection and freezing

Bench work with molecular and cellular models of the muscular dystrophies, including molecular cloning, molecular measurements, and developing and maintaining cell lines, including culturing and differentiating iPSCs (35%)

• →Isolate and prepare protein, DNA and/or RNA from multiple sample types
• →Transform, isolate, grow, and harvest bacterial cultures for plasmid production
• →Perform DNA digestions, ligations, and other molecular biology methods
• →Perform PCR analyses for a variety of applications
• →Prepare culture media
• →Prepare other standard laboratory reagents
• →Perform immortalized cell and induced pluripotent stem cell culture
• →Keep up-to-date modifications of all Biosafety protocols

Project Implementation (20%)

• →Help implement and maintain data management system(s) for the various projects in the lab
• →Keep 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

Other Tasks & Duties as assigned (10%)

• →Perform daily and weekly lab maintenance tasks, such as biohazard waste removal or cleaning of shared laboratory spaces (gel bench or tissue culture room)
• →Assist where needed with other activities to assist with day-to-day management of center operations

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate level degree in science
• 2 or more years of experience in a laboratory
• 1 – 2 years of experience with cellular models, processing samples, sequencing
• 1 – 2 years of experience working independently in a laboratory setting
• Must be proficient in the use of computers with the ability to learn new systems and software applications with ease. Proficiency in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe.
• Pro-actively ask questions and seek guidance when needed
• Excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong problem solving and time management skills are essential, including ability to adapt to frequent changes in work assignments, prioritize and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 – 2 years of experience with cell culture, PCR and protein analysis
• 1 – 2 years of experience with laboratory training or education
• 1 – 2 years of experience with a team science approach