Laboratory Specialist - Dept of Microbiology and Immunology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Health Care Provider
Posted on March 28, 2024
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.
VCU School of Medicine is searching for an experienced Laboratory Specialist with expertise and interests to join a research team focused on high throughput human and pathogen genomics.
Position Summary:
The team is particularly focused on: 1) developing and applying high throughput DNA and RNA sequencing to characterize genome variants with relevance to pathogen evolution, infectivity, and transmission; and 2) elucidating human gene expression patterns in response to colonization by different microbial taxa. Particular attention is focused on respiratory pathogens including but not limited to Sars-CoV-2, Hepatitis A virus, Influenza Viruses. The successful applicant will also participate on studies of the human microbiome and its effect on human health, with a particular focus on the microbiome of the female reproductive tract. Responsibilities among other objectives will include generation of high throughput DNA/RNA sequence data from bacterial, viral, and human sources. This lab is one of the academic labs that contributed to high throughput sequencing and variant tracking of Sars-CoV-2. Opportunities for learning and applying new molecular biology and technology, cellular biology and bioinformatics. Generation of human sequences generated by high throughput sequencing, including RNA Seq, Methyl Seq, single cell and spatial analysis, etc., is expected.
Required Hiring Standards:
The successful applicant will be experienced in molecular technologies including but not limited to:
- Generation of high throughput sequencing libraries, isolation of RNA and DNA, generation of cDNA libraries, ability to use restriction enzymes, ligase, reverse transcriptase, thermostable DNA polymerases, and other molecular technologies
- Experience with real time PCR and an understanding of its capabilities and value are necessary
- A Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or other relevant discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience or equivalent in experience (e.g., 5 years of relevant experience and good recommendations)
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.
VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!
University Job Code: 34051-34056
ORP Eligible: No
Salary Range: $40,000-$60,000
Position Details:
Department: Microbiology and Immunology
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Contact Information:
Contact Name: SOM HR
