Research Scientist, Department of Surgery

Summary

A research scientist is required to perform state of the art research in a lab within the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. The labs are run by Dr. David Turner and Dr. Victoria Findlay. The candidate is expected to conduct research, analyze data, publish papers, and mentor junior researchers from all levels. The research scientist will manage projects and ensure ethical and effective research processes. They may also work to secure funding, collaborate with other scientists, and present findings. The candidate will use their expertise to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to the development of new technologies and innovations within the lab.

Research Outline: By addressing health inequity, disparities in cancer outcomes have been reduced, but stubbornly persist for some cancer types and have increased for others. The question remains if enduring cancer disparities arise solely out of health inequities. Instead, these inequities may act together with an individual’s biology in defining cancer risk. The labs research assesses how a newly termed exposure named “bio-social determinant of health” can be applied to describe non-enzymatic glycoxidation and how it can report on the dynamic and varied impact of societal, environmental, and biological cancer risk factors on the tumor microenvironment.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will be expected to generate data for ongoing research projects as well as data for future grant applications
• They will train current and future members of the research team in lab protocols and equipment use and maintain standard operating procedures
• The successful candidate will support in the management of the lab and ongoing lab operations. They will assist with managing budget, personnel, and space relating to the labs research
• As a Technical Leader the individual will direct work assignments and will ensure the staff have the necessary resources to accomplish their assigned tasks
• Additional weekend and holiday work may be required when experiments require it

Required Education & Experience

• Dedicated to achieving scientific excellence in a highly collaborative research group
• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a biological science or related fields, with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience working in a laboratory setting
• Record of primary and collaborative authorship in peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized journals
• Experience in cancer associated mouse models (preferable prostate or breast cancer), cell and tissue culture, and molecular assessments in cancer associated cell signaling in the tumor microenvironment is essential
• Experience working in a BSL2 biosafety environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with collaborators and staff and to offer solutions to address any issues or concerns to the lab operations
• Demonstrated experience fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or a commitment to do so as an employee of VCU

Preferred Education & Experience

• Further expertise in molecular pathways associated with diet and/or other lifestyle factors is desirable but not required

Additional Information

University Title : Scientist (Open), Research & Innovation

ORP Eligibility : Yes

Restricted Position : This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

Vaccination Requirements : 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.

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. VCU School of Medicine comprises 18 clinical departments, eight basic health science departments, and 11 affiliated institutes and centers, and provides preeminent education to physicians and scientists in order to improve the quality of healthcare for humanity. 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 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.