Research Scientist – Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology
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.
Job Code 33241-33243
Recruitment Pool All Applicants
Posting Number req7259
Unit School Of Medicine MBU
Department Microbiology and Immunology
Department Website Link
Location VCU
Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
Duties & Responsibilities
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.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Scientist with extensive experience in cancer biology, molecular and cellular techniques, and in vivo tumor models to join our research team. The successful candidate will contribute to translational research focused on pancreatic and liver cancers, including studies involving viral vector systems, patient-derived xenograft models, and organoid culture platforms.
Core Responsibilities:
- Design and conduct molecular and cellular experiments to investigate cancer biology mechanisms, particularly in pancreatic and liver cancers
- Develop, produce, and utilize adenoviral and lentiviral vectors for gene delivery in in vitro and in vivo models
- Conduct advanced molecular biology experiments including plasmid construction, gene cloning, RT-PCR, and in vitro transcription
- Perform protein-based assays including Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and proteomic analyses
- Conduct in vivo studies using PDX, orthotopic, and subcutaneous tumor models, with drug dosing via multiple routes (oral, IP, intratumoral).Analyze in vivo antitumor efficacy using imaging techniques such as bioluminescence. Utilize flow cytometry for apoptosis, cell cycle, ALDH, CFSE proliferation, and side population assays
Qualifications
Minimum Hiring Standards:
- Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related biomedical field
- At least 3 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience, including experience in viral vector systems and in vivo cancer models
- Proven track record of conducting independent research with strong technical skills in molecular and cellular biology
- Experience working with organoids and patient-derived tumor models is highly desirable
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience in pancreatic or other cancer research
- Experience in clinical sample handling and translational research
- Familiarity with proteomics, bioinformatics tools, or single-cell analysis techniques
Please provide us the following information:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Summary of Research Experience and Future Interests
- Contact information for three professional references
This is a 0.75 FTE (30 hours per week) university staff position.
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.
This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.
ORP Eligible: Yes
University Job Code: 33241-33243
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!
FLSA University Employee
Job FTE 0.75
Exemption Status Exempt
Restricted Position Yes
E-Class UF – University Employee FT
Job Category University Employee
ORP Eligible Yes
Salary Range $40-$50k
Compensation Type Salaried
Target Hire Date 5/26/2025
Contact Information for Candidates
SOM HR