Research Associate, SOM, Internal Medicine, Stravitz‐Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease

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Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more.  Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

The Stravitz‐Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease
and Metabolic Health (SSI) is recruiting a highly motivated Research Associate to join
the Saul Karpen research team. The
research arc of the Karpen lab focuses upon wet bench validations of etiologic
gene discoveries and therapeutic target identification for rare childhood liver
diseases.  Recent explorations have focused upon discovering etiologic
causes of the # 1 reason to transplant a liver during childhood—biliary
atresia.  The successful candidate will develop and apply research methods
to analyzing a first genetic model of biliary atresia, the Pkd1l1 conditional
KO mouse, including evaluations of therapeutic efficacy.

Position Summary:

You
will engage in collaborative projects across multiple stages, from experimental
design through to the dissemination of findings, including support for
presentations, grant applications, and publication. Responsibilities will include
managing projects transparently, setting specific research milestones, and
providing detailed reporting to stakeholders. 

Provide focused, technical
expertise as a key scientific resource for a broad array of applications. Act
as the technical project leader or subject matter expert for multiple projects
or programs, interact with clients to provide technical project updates, review
and evaluate data, write reports and protocols, and provide input on regulatory
compliance. Participate in the evaluation and implementation of new
technologies ensuring the laboratory stays current in technologies required.
Supervises and assists senior technical staff in laboratory operations such as
scheduling, resource management, technical and compliance related issues. Interfaces
with clients on scientific issues, study design and project technical
requirements. Plans, directs and implements improvements in systems, processes
and procedures to increase efficiency, productivity, quality and technical
expertise in the laboratory. Assists division director in strategic planning,
business development and new technology implementation.

Ability to design and perform experiments, to manage
research projects, to analyze and interpret data, to make conclusions and plan
strategically. Ability to maintain detailed documentation in a variety of
mediums. Past productivity as documented by publications. Demonstrated
creativity, high motivation, solid communication skills and experience in
writing progress reports and manuscripts for peer reviewed publications.
Ability to work independently as well as demonstrated ability to work
professionally and efficiently within a research group.

Typical Education and Experience

Minimum Hiring Standards: 

-A PhD in Molecular or Cellular Biology, Biochemistry,
Physiology or other relevant discipline.
-Experience with primary cell culture, epithelial cells
or organoids, with isolation and culture of mouse cholangiocytes a major
prioritization.
-Experience with mouse models of metabolic disease or
hepatobiliary disease.
-Experience with cell signaling and developmental
biology
-Experience with membrane biology and bile acid
signaling are prioritizations.
-Experience with standard DNA, RNA and Protein analytics
(imaging and immunoblotting).
-Experience with advanced confocal imaging
-Creativity and substantial evidence of productive team
science and publication history
-Successful grant writing
-Independence, scientific rigor and critical thinking
-Foster a
collaborative inclusive and team-oriented workplace where diversity and
individual differences are valued.

Additional
Information:

ORP Eligible: – YES
Hours /
weeks – 40 hours weekly 
Title Details: Research Associate 1-3     
University Title: Senior Scientist, RS 1-3 (33244Y-33246Y)
University
Code: (33244Y-33246Y)
University Job Family: Research & Innovation

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability. 

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system’s facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Demetria Patterson
demetria.patterson1@vcuhealth.org