Translational Lab Technician: Cancer Biology & Immunology

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The Research Laboratory Technician at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center supports two surgical oncology and transplant surgery labs, handling cell cultures, mouse colonies, biospecimens, and standard molecular and cellular techniques. This role emphasizes data collection, safety compliance, and collaboration with PIs and staff.

You will maintain supplies, assist with animal studies, process samples, and help prepare materials for regulatory submissions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required. At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experience. Bachelor's degree will be considered in lieu of experience.
• Knowledge in relevant scientific field, research techniques and methods
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures
• Analytical skills and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Verbal and written communication skills
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Operations & Maintenance: Maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment inventory for both research groups; Ensure proper use, cleaning, and calibration of shared equipment; Maintain compliance with biosafety, animal care, and institutional research standards.
• Experimental Support: Conduct molecular biology, cell culture, and immunological assays (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry); Assist with animal studies, including mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, and tissue collection (with appropriate training and IACUC approval); Support sample processing, labeling, and storage of human and animal specimens; Collect, record, and analyze experimental data under supervision of the PIs and senior lab members.
• Regulatory and Administrative Support: Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic records; Assist in preparing materials for IACUC, IRB, and biosafety submissions and renewals; Ensure laboratory compliance with all VCU, NIH, and funding agency policies.
• Collaboration and Communication: Coordinate research efforts between the Trevino and Lee laboratories to support shared goals; Participate in lab meetings, report progress, and assist with manuscript and grant preparation as needed; Foster a collaborative, organized, and efficient shared laboratory environment.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Verbal & written communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree considered in lieu of experience

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

The Research Laboratory Technician at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center supports two surgical oncology and transplant surgery labs, handling cell cultures, mouse colonies, biospecimens, and standard molecular and cellular techniques. This role emphasizes data collection, safety compliance, and collaboration with PIs and staff.

You will maintain supplies, assist with animal studies, process samples, and help prepare materials for regulatory submissions.