Senior Research Scientist - Microbiology and Immunology

About the Role

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is seeking a Senior Staff Scientist to join the research laboratory led by Dr. Chien-Huan (Gil) Weng. The lab focuses on Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, exploring innate and adaptive immune pathways to design novel cancer therapies and enhance current immunotherapies.

Responsibilities

• Advanced Experimental Execution & Assay Development: Lead and execute techniques such as high-dimensional flow cytometry, primary cell isolation, immune profiling, RNA sequencing preparation, molecular cloning, Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and functional T-cell/myeloid cell assays.
• Translational Research & Human Specimen Analysis: Process and analyze clinical tumor and blood specimens from cancer patients in collaboration with Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center physician-scientists.
• In Vivo & Cellular Phenotyping: Manage murine tumor models, adoptive cell transfers, in vivo antibody treatments, tissue processing, and immune cell phenotyping.
• Data Generation & Publication Support: Analyze complex datasets, maintain records, troubleshoot workflows, and prepare publication-ready figures and methods for manuscripts and grant proposals.
• Operational Oversight & Technical Mentorship: Oversee mouse colony management, genotyping, biosafety/IACUC compliance, equipment maintenance, and reagent inventory. Train and mentor students and technicians.
• Communication & Collaboration: Maintain clear communication with the PI and teams, presenting findings during lab meetings and seminars.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related Life Sciences discipline.
• Experience: 5–10 years of post-doctoral or advanced wet-bench research experience in immunology, cancer biology, or relevant fields.
• Core Technical Competencies: Expertise in multiparameter flow cytometry, in vivo murine models, cell culture, immune functional assays, and molecular biology techniques.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Background in T cell biology, myeloid cell immunology, single-cell genomics, or spatial proteomics.
  • Experience with biospecimens and clinical trial samples.
  • Record of peer-reviewed publications.
  • Strong organizational and lab safety skills.

Pay

Salary Range: $80,000–$95,000

Benefits

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

Schedule

Hours per Week: 40
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Contact Information: Dr. Chien-Huan (Gil) Weng, chgweng@gmail.com