Research Scientist - Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy

Benefits: 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 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.

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Neuroscience and Anatomy

Duties & Responsibilities:

We seek an experienced scientist with a background in cellular/systems neuroscience to join a research team investigating CNS structural and functional damage related to HIV and co-exposure to drugs of abuse. A strong background in histological techniques and microscopy are essential. Preferred applicants will also have broad expertise in biochemical and cellular approaches, will be able to work independently using established protocols, and will contribute to data analyses and publications.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• MS or PhD or equivalent in related discipline

• 2+ years of working in a laboratory setting doing related work

• Preparing tissue sections (frozen and fresh) for microscopy

• Proficiency in immunohistochemistry or cytochemistry

• Proficiency in fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence imaging, and image acquisition software (e.g., Zeiss Zen; Keyence BZ-X series software or similar)

• Harvesting/processing tissue for standard biochemical assays (e.g. immunoblotting; RT-PCR/qPCR)

• Proficiency with standard word processing, spreadsheet, and data analysis software

• 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

• 3+ years of working in a laboratory setting doing related work

• Proficiency in confocal microscopy

• Familiarity with morphological analysis software (Imaris, CellProfiler or similar)

• Primary culture of mammalian brain cells

• Survival surgery (e.g. osmotic pump implantation)

• In situ hybridization

Salary Range: Commensurate starting at $65,000

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Contact Information:

Contact Email: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org