Research Technician - Massey

Research Technician - Massey Benefits of working at VCU

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCUs robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, 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. Learn more about VCUs benefits here .

Job Code 34051 Recruitment Pool All Applicants Posting Number req7073 Unit Massey Comprehensive Cancer Ctr MBU Department Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Department Website Link Location VCU Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA Duties & Responsibilities

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Mission

To improve the lives of all Virginians by delivering cutting-edge cancer care through patient-centered prevention and treatment; high-impact, innovative research; community input and engagement; and education and training of the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veterans period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

The university and the region

VCU is a public research university unlike any other, dedicated to serving the needs of students and patients. Inclusion is our heartbeat and it drives us to tackle difficult challenges others cant or wont. Were home to creativity, teaching, discovery and healing. Our location in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, means the nonstop energy of our city ignites our innovation and provides unlimited opportunities for our students.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

We are the university for Virginia. We know that the unique backgrounds and life experiences of the VCU community are what drive the university forward. Together, were forging a future that is built by us. Here, artists and engineers, doctors and designers come together to reimagine the human experience and tackle the problems of tomorrow.

VCU dates to 1838 with the formation of the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College, whose mission was to educate physicians in central Virginia and which was later renamed Medical College of Virginia. In 1968, Richmond Professional Institute merged with the Medical College of Virginia to become what is now known as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Located in downtown Richmond, the state capital of Virginia, VCU enrolls more than 28,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate programs across its urban campuses: the downtown Monroe Park and MCV campuses in Richmond; the Rice Rivers Center in Charles City, Virginia; satellite locations in Fairfax, Virginia, and Abingdon, Virginia; and a campus in Doha, Qatar, for the School of the Arts.

Ignited by the energy of the city, were ready to lead industries or disrupt them. We seek out the unexpected, the experimental, the never-been-tried. VCU is designated as a research university with very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, garnering more than $500 million in sponsored research from federal and other agencies in FY2024. The National Science Foundation ranked VCU among the top 50 public research universities in the country, and we are one of only 69 public universities nationwide to be designated by the Carnegie Foundation as Community Engaged with Very High Research Activity.

This research enterprise, and the influence of having one of the nations top-ranked public graduate arts schools , ensures students receive unique educational experiences that equip them with a creative mindset that sets them apart.

VCUs contributions in talent, innovation and entrepreneurialism, regional stewardship and local culture shape the economic impact and overall quality of life in the region. VCU as a whole generates more than $9 billion in economic activity. It is the largest employer in Richmond with more than 26,000 employees at VCU and VCU Health, and it supports approximately 58,000 j obs in Virginia . In addition, Virginia classifies VCU with a Tier III status the highest possible status for universities and colleges allowing VCU more flexibility in managing its operations to implement best practices and streamline processes. To learn about VCUs finances, visit about.finance.vcu.edu .

VCUs mission, under the leadership of President Michael Rao, Ph.D., is to serve as one national urban public research institution dedicated to the success and well-being of our students, patients, faculty, staff and community through:

Real-world learning that furthers civic engagement, inquiry, discovery and innovation.

Research that expands the boundaries of new knowledge and creative expression and promotes translational applications to improve the quality of human life.

Interdisciplinary collaborations and community partnerships that advance innovation, enhance cultural and economic vitality, and solve societys most complex challenges.

Health sciences that preserve and restore health for all people, seek the cause and cure of diseases through groundbreaking research and educate those who serve humanity.

Welcome to VCU. A world unlike any other.

Benefits At a Glance

Continuing education and professional development for undergraduate and graduate tuition in addition to mandatory fees (except the transition student fee) for a maximum of six credits per semester;

28 University Leave Days, 11+ State Holidays, and 2 Enhanced Community Service Leave Days;

Medical, Dental and Vision Health Benefits to meet the needs of employees and their eligible family members from the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as optional FSA;

Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and other retirement saving options;

Parental and Caregiver Leave, Short Term Disability (STD), Disability Insurance, Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program;

Professional development opportunities encouraged and offered for employees as part of annual career development, e.g. certifications, seminars, courses, annual conferences, mentorship, etc.

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking a Research Technician to support cutting-edge translational cancer research under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Poklepovic. This position will play a critical role in projects focused on Cell Competition in Cancer Growth and Metastasis, contributing to high-impact research publications and advancing our understanding of cancer dormancy, tumor microenvironment interactions, and metastasis. The successful candidate will be involved in advanced 2D and 3D cell culture systems, confocal imaging, and live-cell microscopy, utilizing state-of-the-art imaging platforms from Leica and Zeiss.

This position requires a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with extensive experience in primary and secondary cell culture, organoid culture, live-cell imaging, and advanced microscopy techniques. The candidate will be expected to design and execute research experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and contribute to manuscript preparation for high-impact journals. Additionally, the candidate will report findings to the principal investigator, collaborate with laboratory staff and students, and assist in maintaining laboratory instruments.

Other job duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform and optimize 2D and 3D culture techniques, including tumor organoid models derived from patient samples.
• Conduct confocal and live-cell imaging experiments using Leica and Zeiss microscopy systems, ensuring high-quality data acquisition.
• Implement high-content imaging and single-cell analysis methodologies for cancer dormancy and metastasis studies.
• Assist in experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting of protocols related to cancer cell metabolism, competition assays, and biomarker identification.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of research findings, experimental conditions, and analysis workflows.
• Collaborate with team members to drive high-impact research and contribute to publications in top-tier journals (Nature, EMBO, Cancer Discovery, etc.).
• Assist with laboratory maintenance, reagent preparation, and compliance with safety and ethical research regulations.
• Train and mentor graduate students and junior research staff in relevant laboratory techniques.

Qualifications

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• Extensive experience in cell culture techniques, particularly primary and secondary 2D and 3D cultures, organoid cultures, and patient-derived tumor models.
• Expertise in live-cell imaging, confocal microscopy, and fluorescence-based imaging techniques using Leica and Zeiss advanced systems.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently.
• Experience in manuscript preparation and scientific writing, with at least one publication in a high-impact journal (e.g., Nature, EMBO, Cancer Discovery).
• Strong communication skills, organization, and ability to present research findings clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.
• A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Education:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

• Prior research experience in tumor microenvironment, cancer dormancy, and metastasis models.
• Hands-on expertise with high-throughput screening, image-based analysis, or single-cell sequencing technologies.
• Familiarity with mouse models of cancer, in vivo imaging, and xenograft experiments.
• Experience with laboratory automation, microfluidics, or bioengineering approaches for cancer research.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in advanced imaging techniques, including confocal microscopy, live-cell imaging, and fluorescence-based methods.
• Strong expertise in cell culture methodologies, particularly in primary cell isolation, organoid development, and patient-derived cell models.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation systems for high-throughput experimental workflows.

Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills:

• Ability to analyze complex biological datasets and interpret research findings with a high level of accuracy.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in experimental design, imaging protocols, and cell-based assays.
• Demonstrated capability to develop novel experimental approaches to address key research questions in cancer biology.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to optimize protocols and improve laboratory efficiency.
• Proactive in identifying experimental inconsistencies and implementing effective solutions.

Personal Attributes:

• High levels of initiative, resourcefulness, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking translational research in cancer biology. We seek candidates with a passion for discovery, a strong publication track record, and expertise in 3-D organoid cultures and imaging-based cancer research. If you have the skills and experience required, we encourage you to apply and become part of our innovative research team at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

About Richmond, Virginia

As the commonwealths capital , Richmond, Virginia, offers a vibrant mix of history, diverse culture and real-world opportunities . Distinct neighborhoods, cozy restaurants and cafes and quaint local markets give the city an intimate feel, but theaters, galleries, music festivals, sports attractions and a steady stream of annual events bring RVA as locals call the region to life. Established in 1780, its rich history can be seen in the architecture, the Capitol grounds and the cobblestone streets around the city. With the historic James River and 600 acres of parks bordering it, bike trails, wineries, breweries, a flourishing arts, entertainment and restaurant scene (Food and Wine called Richmond a culinary powerhouse ) and affordable suburbs, this small city punches well above its weight in terms of attractions and buzz. In fact, Travel + Leisure named Richmond the best place to live in Virginia in 2023 and Southern Living named Richmond one of the 20 best cities to live in the South in 2024.

Richmonds location in the middle of the state allows for day or weekend trips to the beach, the Blue Ridge Mountains or Virginias many wineries. Its within a two-hour drive of Washington, D.C., and a multitude of excellent institutions of higher education. The Richmond metropolitan area is also home to several Fortune 500 companies , a broad base of financial companies , hospitals and media firms, high-tech manufacturing companies and state and local government agencies . Entrepreneurs and artists put down roots in Richmond, and Thrillist named it one of the best U.S. cities for creatives in 2022.

Beyond Richmond, CNBC has named Virginia as the No. 1 state in the country to do business six times since the study began in 2007. It has accomplished this by bringing in billions in capital investment and thousands of new jobs; investing in education; expanding access to quality health care for all; making sure everyone has access to opportunity; and more. Business Facilities magazine named Virginia the 2024 State of the Year. Suffice to say, Virginia is full of growth and opportunity, making it the perfect location for a university determined to erase barriers and provide students with robust learning experiences that will make them unstoppable.

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 VCU is not able to provide ongoing visa sponsorship for this position.

FLSA University Employee Job FTE 1 Exemption Status Non-Exempt Restricted Position No E-Class UF - University Employee FT Job Category ORP Eligible No Salary Range $41,400 commensurate with experience Compensation Type Salaried Target Hire Date 4/21/2025 Contact Information for Candidates

Massey Cancer Center
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