Lab Technician - Pharmacology and Toxicology

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid annual and holiday leave

Generous tuition benefits

Retirement planning and savings options

Employee discounts

Well-being resources

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine is seeking a research lab assistant to conduct behavioral and physiological studies involving rodents and participate in data analysis. The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in a related field, previous lab experience, and the ability to communicate effectively. This full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, annual leave, and career development opportunities. The salary range is $40,000 – $45,000 with eligibility for tuition benefits and retirement options.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemistry, Biology, or an equivalent field.
• Previous research lab experience with general lab skills.
• Experience working with rodents and laboratory animals.
• Good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioral and physiological studies in mice.
• Perform data entry, statistical analysis, and graphic presentation.
• Maintain general laboratory upkeep and safety.

Skills

Lab skills

Communication skills

Experiential knowledge with rodents

Education

B.S. in Chemistry, Biology, or equivalent

Job description

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. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Behavioral and physiological studies: evaluate mice in different pain studies, perform nerve conductance studies, and administer drugs orally, subcutaneously, and intraperitoneally.
• Reward and withdrawal studies: conduct alcohol, opiate, and nicotine withdrawal studies, perform conditioned place preference tests in mice, use minipumps surgery, and handle two‑bottle choice tests for reward studies. Measure spontaneous activity, light–dark boxes, withdrawal signs, rotarod test, and rectal temperature.
• Data entry, reduction, statistical analysis, and graphic presentation: complete analysis of all experiments on a weekly basis and prepare data for weekly meetings.
• General laboratory maintenance, clerical work, and lab safety: perform tasks as instructed without delay or error, and order supplies and animals as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemistry, Biology, or an equivalent field.
• Previous research lab experience (student or employee) with general lab skills such as weighing and solution preparation.
• Experience working with rodents and laboratory animals.
• Good communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to administer drugs to rodent laboratory animals.
• Knowledge of behavioral models of pain.
• Willingness to learn and use behavioral models of reward and dependence.

Benefits

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, a tax‑deferred annuity with a cash match program, employee discounts, well‑being resources, and abundant opportunities for career development and advancement.

Salary Range

$40,000 – $45,000