Senior Lab/Research Technician - Microbiology and Immunology

About the role

Located on the MCV Campus in downtown Richmond, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine focuses on Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, studying innate and adaptive immune pathways that affect anti-tumor immunity. The Senior Research Technician will work directly with the Principal Investigator to execute experiments, generate preliminary data for grant applications, co-author publications, and perform translational analyses using human cancer patient samples from Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute routine and advanced molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction (from tissues, biofluids, and primary cell populations), PCR, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and standard molecular cloning/manipulation
• Process and analyze clinical tumor and blood specimens from cancer patients in collaboration with Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center physician-scientists
• Assist with murine tumor models, tissue processing, and immune cell phenotyping using multiparameter flow cytometry (FACS) (preferred)
• Maintain precise experimental records, analyze data, troubleshoot technical assays, and contribute directly to figures and data generation for grant proposals and peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Oversee general laboratory operations, including maintaining reagent/supply inventories, ordering supplies, managing laboratory safety protocols, maintaining mouse colonies, genotyping, and coordinating routine maintenance and calibration of essential laboratory equipment
• Maintain open, professional, and clear oral/written communication with the PI, lab members, and collaborative teams; present data clearly in lab meetings and departmental forums

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related Life Sciences discipline
• Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on, post‑degree wet‑bench research laboratory experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Demonstrated proficiency and independent capability in:
  • DNA and RNA isolation/extraction from diverse sample types (tissues, cell lines, primary cells) and nucleic acid quality control
  • PCR and Reverse Transcription Quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR)
  • Protein detection techniques, specifically Western Blotting and ELISA
  • Essential fundamental molecular biology procedures
• Ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field with 2–4+ years of relevant research experience (preferred)
• Experience handling mice, establishing tumor models, and performing immune cell phenotyping via multiparameter flow cytometry (FACS) (preferred)
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy or confocal imaging (plus)
• Track record of contributions to research projects with motivation to generate high‑quality preliminary data for primary and co‑authored manuscript publications
• Strong organizational skills, rigorous record‑keeping abilities, self‑motivation, and capacity to troubleshoot workflows independently under PI guidance

Skills

Core technical competencies include DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT‑qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, molecular cloning, flow cytometry (FACS), mouse handling, tumor modeling, data analysis, troubleshooting, laboratory management, and clear scientific communication.

Benefits

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, 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.

Pay

Salary range: $55,000 – $65,000 per year.

Schedule

40 hours per week, fully onsite, non‑exempt (FLSA).

Contact: Dr. Chien‑Huan (Gil) Weng, Ph.D. – chgweng@gmail.com