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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 MBUDepartment: Cellular and Genetic MedicinePosition Summary:The Department of Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Medicine is in search of a Lab Manager to jointly work for the laboratories of Dr. Christopher Heier and Dr. Alyson Fiorillo at VCU's School of Medicine. These translational groups are focused on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of muscular dystrophies, on the development of therapies for these conditions, and on developing biomarkers for use in clinical trials. This position would focus on laboratory work that promotes these goals through preclinical drug trials and the characterization of novel mouse models. Additionally, this position will include the performance of molecular biology techniques such as qRT-PCR, Western blots or immunoassays, ELISAS, microscopy and/or immunostaining. In addition, cell culture techniques such as cell passaging, luciferase assays, drug treatments, and the transfection of cell lines is desirable.Core Responsibilities:1.) Carry out murine preclinical trials for various muscular dystrophy model mice This includes:Mouse handling, mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, functional analysisKeep up-to-date modifications of all IACUC protocolsKeep up-to-date modifications of all Biosafety protocolsOrganize and implement tissue specimen collection and freezingPrepare samples for RNA, DNA or protein extraction and/or histological analysisPerform RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and qPCR analysis using Taqman probes and a Quant Studio 7 Pro; understand the concept of utilizing delta delta ct values to determine relative gene expressionPerform protein extraction, protein quantification and subsequent Western or Jess assays (Protein Simple Analysis)Perform ELISAs on serum samples or lysed muscle samplesPrepare muscle section for immunostaining or histology staining via cryosectioningPerform histological stains such as H&E, Sirius Red/Fast Green, or trichromePerform immunofluorescence on muscle sections, image using a VS200 Slide Scanning microscopePerform image analysis of muscle using Image J2.) Project ImplementationHelp implement a data management system for the various projects in the labKeep meticulous records from multiple experimentsWrite Lab SOPS for new methods developedKeep inventory records of lab samples and reagentsAnticipate lab reagent needs on a weekly basisAssist in writing/editing manuscripts3.) Lab TrainingTraining of graduate and undergraduate students in basic laboratory practices and techniquesTraining new lab members in mouse handlingQualifications:Minimum QualificationsBS in Science5 or more years of experience in a laboratoryStandard molecular biology and/or histology techniquesExperience with animal working with mice, working with cell lines and processing tissueExperience working independently in a laboratory settingDemonstrated 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 QualificationsAdvanced degree (MS or PhD) in relevant scientific fieldExperience with mouse phenotyping, genetic crosses, model characterization, and/or preclinical drug trialsExperience with heart function and/or muscle physiologyExperience with protein-based assaysExperience with cell-based assaysExperience in laboratory training or educationExperience with sequencing techniques or analysis (RNAseq, ChIP-seq, etc.)Experience with a team science approachExperience with IACUC including guidelines and protocol submissionsThis is a restricted position with no set end date; continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.University Job Code: 32301VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!Salary Range:up to $70,000FLSA Exemption Status: ExemptHours per Week: 40Restricted Position: NoORP Eligible: NoFlexible Work Arrangement: Fully OnsiteContact Information:Contact Email: SOMHR@Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer