Lab Technician - Pharmacology and Toxicology

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Lab Technician to assist in the Lab of Dr. Damaj. The role involves behavioral and physiological studies in preclinical pain and addiction models, data handling, and reporting to the supervisor.

This full-time position is onsite in Richmond, with occasional weekend work as needed. The candidate should have a B.S. in Chemistry or Biology or equivalent, plus prior lab experience and rodent-handling skills.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemistry or Biology or equivalent is required.
• Previous research lab experience in a research lab setting (as student or employee).
• Experience with rodents and lab animals is required.
• Strong communication skills are essential.
• Commitment to respect, professionalism and civility with diverse colleagues and students.

Responsibilities

• Behavioral and physiological studies: Evaluate mice in pain studies and related tests.
• Reward and withdrawal studies: Conduct alcohol, opiate and nicotine withdrawal tests in mice and related procedures.
• Data entry, analysis and reporting: Complete data analysis and present results weekly.
• General lab maintenance, clerical tasks and safety: Maintain lab supplies, order items, and ensure a safe environment.
• Enter the percent of work effort and outline general responsibilities.

Skills

Good communication skills

Lab experience

Rodent handling

Education

B.S. in Chemistry or Biology or equivalent

Job description

Advertising Summary:

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located inthe heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’ssponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationallyrecognised for patient care and education. Virginia CommonwealthUniversity is an equal opportunity employer.

Unit:

School Of Medicine

Department:

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Department Summary:

The Department of Pharmacologyand Toxicology of Virginia Commonwealth University is committed toan outstanding education of professional and graduate students aswell as to cutting edge research. The atmosphere of the departmentis one of congeniality and collaboration. Alumni of the departmenthave achieved prominent roles in academia, industry, andgovernment. The goal of the department is to contribute to improvedhealth through a better understanding of the mechanism of action ofsafer and more effective therapies. The education of graduatestudents and postdoctoral fellows who have the potential to becomeindependent, highly regarded scientists and excellent teachers inpharmacology is a priority.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology is actively seeking aLab Technician to assist in the Lab of Dr. Damaj. This is a full-time Lab Technician position which will work to assess painand addiction in preclinical models. This Lab Technician will also compile results and report to supervisor.

Core Responsibilities:

• Behavioral and physiological studies: Evaluate mice indifferent pain studies. Nerve conductance studies. Administer drugsorally, subcutaneously and i.p
• Reward and withdrawal studies: Alcohol, opiates and nicotinewithdrawal studies and conditioned place preference test in mice.Minipumps surgery. May have to come some weekends. Use of thetwo-bottle choice test in mice for reward studies. Measure variousspontaneous activity, light dark boxes, withdrawal signs, rotarodtest and rectal temperature
• Data entry and reduction, statistical analysis, graphicpresentation: Complete analysis of all experiments on a weeklybasis. Have data ready to present at weekly meetings
• General laboratory maintenance, clerical work and lab safety: Perform as instructed without delay or error. Order supplies andanimals as needed
• Enter the percent of work effort and describe the generalresponsibility

Minimum Qualifications:

• Required a B.S. in Chemistry or Biology or equivalent
• Required Previous research lab experience in a research labsetting (as student or employee) and general lab skills (weighing,making solutions, etc.).
• Required experience with rodents and lab animals
• Good communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment ofrespect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty,staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or acommitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knows how to administer drugs to rodent lab animals
• Knowledge in behavioral models of pain
• Willingness to learn and use behavioral models of reward anddependence

Salary Range:

$40k-$45k

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, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

Hours per Week:

40

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

ORP Eligible:

No

Flexible Work Arrangement:

Fully Onsite

University Job Title:

34051-3 - Lab/Research Technician1-3

Contact Information:

Contact Email: [e-mail]