Research Assistant, SOM, Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease

Biophysical Society; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

An established academic medical center is seeking a motivated Predoctoral Research Trainee to join a dynamic team focused on groundbreaking research in liver diseases. This role offers an exciting opportunity to engage in clinical and translational research, particularly in the areas of alcohol-associated liver disease and metabolic dysfunction. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, working alongside a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians. With a strong emphasis on attention to detail and a passion for advancing healthcare, this position is perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the field of hepatology.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid annual and holiday leave

Generous tuition benefit

Retirement planning and savings options

Employee discounts

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Knowledge of liver disease pathophysiology and management is essential.
• Experience with systematic reviews and large datasets is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and implementation of research studies in hepatology.
• Conduct systematic reviews and prepare research data for presentations.

Skills

Knowledge of liver disease pathophysiology

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Data analysis

Collaboration in diverse environments

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Master’s degree in relevant field

Tools

STATA

R

Job description

Benefits of working at VCU

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, 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. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Job Code: 34001N-34003N

Recruitment Pool: All Applicants

Posting Number: req6981

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: School of Medicine, Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease

Location: VCU

Address: 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA

Duties & Responsibilities

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. VCU School of Medicine comprises 18 clinical departments, eight basic health science departments, and 11 affiliated institutes and centers, and provides preeminent education to physicians and scientists to improve the quality of healthcare for humanity.

The Clinical Hepatology Research Group at VCU, led by Dr. Juan Pablo Arab, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Predoctoral Research Trainee to join our dynamic team. This position provides an opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects focused on liver diseases, with an emphasis on alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and the intersection of metabolic and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD). The ideal candidate will be passionate about clinical and translational research, with a strong interest in hepatology and related fields.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and implementation of research studies related to hepatology, including data collection, processing, and analysis.
• Perform laboratory and/or computational work as needed, such as molecular assays, database management, or biostatistical analyses.
• Conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses to support ongoing research projects.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain research data for presentations, publications, and grant submissions.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and fellows.
• Participate in regular lab meetings and contribute to discussions on research progress and strategies.

Minimum Hiring Standards

• Knowledge of liver disease pathophysiology and management.
• Prior experience conducting systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or working with large datasets (e.g., GBD data).
• Familiarity with IRB processes and clinical research compliance.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment is required.
• Relevant lab and/or clinical research experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a diverse environment.
• The successful candidate must be reliable, have solid attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., medicine, biology, biochemistry, public health, or related disciplines).
• Experience in clinical research, preferably in hepatology, metabolic diseases, or related areas.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proficiency in software such as STATA, R, or similar tools is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment.

Physical And Cognitive Requirements

Light to medium lifting (up to 40 lb), fast pace, multiple stimulation, intense customer interaction, frequent change, memory, reasoning, hearing, reading, analyzing, logic, and verbal and written communication.

Additional Information

ORP Eligible: - NO

Hours / weeks - 40 hours weekly

Title Details: Research Laboratory Technician

University Title: Clinical Research Assistant

University Code: 34001N-34003N (1 -3)

University Job Family: Research & Innovation

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

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.

Qualifications

FLSA: University Employee

Job FTE: 1

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Restricted Position: Yes

E-Class: UF - University Employee FT

Job Category: University Employee

ORP Eligible: No

Salary Range: $47,400-$52,400

Compensation Type: Salaried

Target Hire Date: 3/31/2025

Contact Information for Candidates

Demetria Patterson

[e-mail]

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume/CV