Lab Specialist - Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU's sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's generous benefits package that includes: competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), professional development & certifications, tuition waiver, parental leave, caregiving leave and community service leave. Learn more about VCU's benefits here: https://hr.vcu.edu/careers-at-vcu/why-work-at-vcu/

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 laboratory specialist position will be part of a dynamic and collaborative research team conducting NIH-sponsored basic research related to substance use disorders. The position requires the ability to accurately record, update, and maintain daily experimental data. The position also requires the ability to effectively manage multiple research studies simultaneously with low error rate. The laboratory specialist will perform surgical procedures, setup and conduct behavioral pharmacology studies in rats related to substance use disorders. The laboratory specialist position requires the ability to maintain accurate and timely records for all regulatory agencies that we interface with and are inspected by. Other duties will include the preparation of sterile solutions, administering novel test compounds, and monitoring rodent health and welfare.

Required Qualifications:

Ability to communicate in written and verbal formats with coworkers, supervisor, and regulatory agencies.

Must have a demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in past experiences or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference for at least a bachelor's degree in life sciences (e.g., biology, biochemistry, chemistry, biopsychology). Prior laboratory animal research experience or previous lab experience is desirable. Working knowledge of computer software applications (e.g. Microsoft excel, word, google sheets).

Commitment to work in position for a minimum of two years is strongly desired in order to better understand and acquire skills to advance our research.

University job code: Lab/Research Technician 1 (34051)

ORP Eligible: No

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

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.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!