Hourly lab Specialist - Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Position Summary:

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology is seeking a motivated individual to work in a behavioral pharmacology laboratory on NIH-funded research related to developing novel medications to treat Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). This position focuses on daily care, handling and drug administration to laboratory animals. Additionally, this position is focused on preparing and managing behavioral testing sessions including IV drug self-administration and behavioral activity/observation scoring. Lastly, this position consists of carefully recording and storing obtained data, as well as preparing drug solutions and managing IV lines using sterile technique.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Animal handling and animal health assessment
• Administer drug treatments to subjects
• Utilize computer systems to initiate and perform behavioral testing
• Routine laboratory maintenance and cleaning
• Monitor supply levels/rotate stock
• Assist with surgical procedures - prepare instrument packs, anesthetize and prepare subjects for surgery
• Requires the ability accurately record, update and maintain daily experimental data

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of pharmacology and biomedical science
• Knowledge of sterile technique

Required Qualifications:

• Must be dependable and attentive to detail
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule in a diverse environment
• Must be able to effectively work and communicate with supervisor and other laboratory personnel
• Must have a demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in past experiences or a commitment to do so as a hourly employee at VCU

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must be comfortable working with animals, previous experience with laboratory rodents
• Bachelor's degree in biology/life science or biomedical science related field

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