Postdoctoral Fellow — Ehrlich Lab, Mammalian Cell Biology / Fluorescence Microscopy

Position Responsibilities

• General lab operation and maintenance in a mammalian cell biology lab.
• Design and execution of independent experiments within the lab's broader research program including generating primary neuronal cultures from rodents.
• Maintenance and manipulation of mammalian cell lines, including transfection, electroporation and generation of stable/mutant cell lines.
• Assessment of cellular phenotypes via localization, quantitative fluorescence microscopy, and biochemical approaches.
• Data processing, analysis, and preparation of figures for presentation and publication.
• Presentation of data and findings at university and national-level events and symposiums.
• Training and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.
• Contribute to grant writing and lab administrative tasks as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: PhD (or expected completion by start date) in Life Sciences, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Knowledgeable about vesicular endocytosis and trafficking machinery.
• Background or interest in mechanistic experimental design.
• Extensive hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture or relevant model system, including maintenance, passaging, and transfection of cell lines.
• Proficiency in quantitative fluorescence microscopy and biological image analysis (e.g., ImageJ).
• Proficiency in general cell biology and biochemistry techniques, including DNA gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE/Western blotting, protein purification, and protein-protein interaction assays (e.g., pulldowns).
• Statistical analysis skills (e.g., GraphPad Prism) and general data processing/analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing and public presentation.
• Demonstrated research productivity (minimum 2 first-author peer-reviewed publications).
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• 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.

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.

Contact Information

Contact Name: Aliza Ehrlich
Contact Email: ehrlicha@vcu.edu