Research Technician, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Craniofacial Biology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Research
Posted on May 9, 2023
Summary:
The Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology (OCMB), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry is seeking applicants to fill a part-time research technician position in the lab of Dr. Janina Lewis to provides research duties essential to the success of the Faculty, Postdocs and students in the Lewis's lab. The candidate will be performing microbiology and molecular biology experiments, mammalian cell culture, protein immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, qPCR, as well as standard molecular biology techniques (plasmid DNA preparation, gel electrophoresis). The ideal candidatewill be performing routine research activities as assigned; including preparation of bacterial cultures, infection of mammalian cells with bacteria, preparation of proteins, RNA and DNA analysis. The ideal candidate will also participate in bioinformatics analyses of data resulting from RNAseq and microbial profiling and will assist in interpretation of data, writing papers and grant applications, and devising new experiments.
Job Duties:
- Laboratory Experimentation: Perform 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
- 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
- BS in the field of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology required
- Prior experience working in a research laboratory performing experiments (especially bacterial anaerobic cell cultures and mammalian cell culture, 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: Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, VCU School of Dentistry
Employment Type: H1 - Hourly
Restricted Status: Yes, Dependent upon continued funding
FTE: .50
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Janet Sweeney
Contact Email: jlsweeney@vcu.edu