Lab/Research Technician - Microbiology and Immunology

About the Role

The Brown Laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is seeking a full-time research technician to help establish and execute a new research program focused on the resolution of inflammation using a systems immunology approach. The technician will work directly with Dr. Eric Brown and other laboratory members on mechanistic studies of lipids in extracellular vesicles and their role in reprogramming immune cells to be anti-inflammatory. This position combines hands-on experimental work with responsibilities in laboratory operations and is ideal for a self-directed scientist seeking intensive research experience before graduate, medical, or other professional training.

Responsibilities

• Experimental Work:
  • Isolate, culture, stimulate, and analyze primary human and mouse immune cells, as well as mammalian cell lines.
  • Perform multicolor flow cytometry and cell-based functional assays to characterize immune cell populations and cytokine secretion.
  • Conduct molecular and biochemical assays (PCR, RT qPCR, ELISA, CRISPR gene editing, siRNA transfections, immunoblotting, nucleic acid and protein preparation).
  • Assist with isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles using HPLC and ultracentrifugation.
  • Support intestinal epithelial, organoid, or immune-epithelial co-culture experiments.
  • Follow protocols, identify technical problems, and refine assays for reproducibility.
  • Assist with mouse breeding, colony tracking, health monitoring, and tissue harvesting for experiments.
  • Perform experiments in inflammatory disease models (e.g., chemically induced colitis) and maintain animal records.
• Laboratory Operations:
  • Maintain inventories of reagents, samples, cell lines, plasmids, antibodies, and frozen stocks.
  • Prepare buffers, media, and reagents; maintain clean shared work areas and coordinate equipment maintenance.
  • Receive and organize shipments, communicate with vendors, and track purchase records.
• Data Records and Team Support:
  • Maintain an electronic laboratory notebook and organized raw-data files.
  • Perform basic data analysis using FlowJo, Excel, GraphPad Prism, and AI tools.
  • Present experimental updates in lab meetings and assist with figures and documentation.
  • Coordinate time-sensitive experiments and train new lab members.

Qualifications

• Minimum:
  • High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field preferred.
  • Hands-on experience in a biomedical research setting beyond standard teaching labs.
  • Competence in basic lab techniques (pipetting, solution prep, sterile technique, safety).
  • Ability to follow protocols, organize experiments, and maintain records.
  • Basic computer skills for data management and communication.
  • Dependability, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Willingness to work with human blood, cell culture, biohazardous materials, and mice after training.
• Preferred:
  • 1+ years of research experience in an academic, clinical, or industry lab.
  • Experience with mammalian cell culture, primary immune cells, or multicolor flow cytometry.
  • Experience with bacterial culture, PCR, RT qPCR, ELISAs, or related techniques.
  • Experience working with mice.

Pay

Salary Range: $41,600–$46,000

Benefits

VCU offers a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, tuition benefits, retirement planning, employee discounts, and career development opportunities.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week, fully onsite.

Contact: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org