Senior Lab/Research Technician - Microbiology and Immunology

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement planning

Employee discounts

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Senior Research Technician for the Microbiology and Immunology lab in the School of Medicine. The role collaborates with Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center to drive cancer immunology and immunotherapy research, supporting grant data and manuscript preparation.

Responsibilities include executing molecular biology protocols, analyzing patient samples, and assisting with murine tumor models and multiparameter flow cytometry.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; B.S. in Molecular Biology/Immunology/Biochemistry/Cell Biology or related life sciences.
• 3+ years of hands-on wet-lab research experience post-degree.
• DNA/RNA isolation from diverse samples with quality control.
• PCR and RT-qPCR; protein detection by Western blot and ELISA.
• Experience with tumor models, immunology, flow cytometry (FACS) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute molecular biology techniques and protocols.
• Process and analyze clinical tumor and blood specimens in collaboration with Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center personnel.
• Assist with in vivo tumor models and immune cell phenotyping using flow cytometry.
• Maintain detailed records and generate data for grant applications and publications.
• Oversee laboratory operations, inventory, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance.
• Communicate results clearly in lab meetings and with collaborators.

Skills

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR

RT-qPCR

Western blot

ELISA

Molecular cloning

FACS (flow cytometry)

Education

Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology/Immunology/Biochemistry

3+ years wet-lab experience

Master's degree in Immunology/Cancer Biology (preferred)

Job description

Advertising Summary: 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.

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Microbiology and Immunology

Department Summary: Located on the MCV Campus in downtown Richmond, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology is home to a vibrant community of researchers, educators and learners. With a strong history of research funding, our department strives to advance scientific knowledge in the biomedical sciences and inform medical advancements that improve patient outcomes. Our innovative studies span a broad spectrum of areas within the fields of microbiology and immunology:

• Allergy and autoimmunity
• Host-pathogen interactions and molecular pathogenesis
• Human microbiome science and microbial genomics
• Reproductive immunology
• T-cell therapy and vaccine development
• Tumor biology, cell signaling and epigenetics

As educators, we are proud to provide a collaborative, collegial learning environment for our students. Faculty and postdoctoral fellows serve as dedicated mentors, providing an individualized educational experience and shaping the next generation of successful scientists.

Duties & Responsibilities:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Research Technician to join our research laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at VCU Health and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Our laboratory focuses on Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, exploring both innate and adaptive immune pathways that contribute to blunting or compromising anti-tumor immunity. Our research is aimed at designing novel approaches for cancer therapy and boosting the efficacy of current immunotherapies.

This position will work directly with the Principal Investigator (PI) to execute key experiments, generate critical preliminary data for grant applications (including NIH funding), and co-author high-impact research articles. The ideal candidate will also perform translational analyses utilizing unique human cancer patient samples obtained through close collaborations with scientists at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious researcher looking to build a strong scientific record and generate data for authored publications.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Experimental Execution & Molecular Protocols: Independently execute routine and advanced molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction (from tissues, biofluids, and primary cell populations), PCR, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and standard molecular cloning/manipulation
• Translational Research Support: Process and analyze clinical tumor and blood specimens from cancer patients in collaboration with Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center physician-scientists
• In Vivo, in vitro & Cellular Phenotyping (Preferred): Assist with murine tumor models, tissue processing, and immune cell phenotyping using multiparameter flow cytometry (FACS)
• Data Analysis & Scientific Output: Maintain precise experimental records, analyze data, troubleshoot technical assays, and contribute directly to figures and data generation for grant proposals and peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Laboratory Management & Upkeep: Oversee general laboratory operations, including maintaining reagent/supply inventories, ordering supplies, managing laboratory safety protocols, maintaining the mouse colonies, genotyping and coordinating routine maintenance and calibration of essential laboratory equipment
• Communication & Team Collaboration: Maintain open, professional, and clear oral/written communication with the PI, lab members, and collaborative teams. Present data clearly in lab meetings and departmental forums

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related Life Sciences discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of hands-on, post-degree wet-bench research laboratory experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Core Technical Competencies:
  • DNA and RNA isolation/extraction from diverse sample types (tissues, cell lines, primary cells) and nucleic acid quality control.
  • PCR and Reverse Transcription Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).
  • Protein detection techniques, specifically Western Blotting and ELISA.
  • Essential fundamental molecular biology procedures
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field with 2–4+ years of relevant research experience
• In Vivo, in vitro / Immunology Experience: Experience handling mice, establishing tumor models, and performing immune cell phenotyping via multiparameter flow cytometry (FACS)
• Imaging: Experience with fluorescence microscopy or confocal imaging is a plus
• Publications: A track record of contributions to research projects with a strong motivation to generate high-quality preliminary data for primary and co-authored manuscript publications
• Attributes: Strong organizational skills, rigorous record-keeping abilities, self-motivation, and the capacity to troubleshoot workflows independently under the guidance of the PI

Salary Range:$55k-$65k

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: 34054-34056 - Sr Lab/Research Technician 1-3

Contact Information

Contact Name: Dr. Chien-Huan (Gil) Weng. Ph.D.

Contact Email: [e-mail]