Research Assistant

Research Assistant

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. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

The Research Assistant will support research activities in Dr. Guang-Wei Zhang's laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy. The position will assist with routine animal breeding, basic laboratory procedures, experimental preparation, data organization, and research record keeping. The position will also support basic data analysis using VS Code and Python-based workflows under the supervision of the PI or designated lab personnel.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Assist with routine animal breeding, colony monitoring, and related documentation

Support basic biology laboratory procedures and experimental preparation

Assist the PI and lab members with behavioral, physiological, or other neuroscience experiments as assigned

Help organize, maintain, and back up experimental data

Perform basic data analysis using VS Code and Python-based scripts with appropriate supervision and training

Maintain accurate laboratory records, including animal records, experimental notes, and data files

Follow laboratory safety procedures, animal care guidelines, and institutional policies

Perform other research-related duties as assigned by the PI or hiring manager

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Basic biology laboratory training or relevant research experience

Willingness to work with laboratory animals

Ability to follow standard operating procedures, safety requirements, and institutional guidelines

Strong attention to detail and reliability in record keeping

Ability to work 5 hours per day, approximately 20 days per month

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with animal breeding or mouse colony maintenance

Experience assisting with laboratory experiments

Familiarity with VS Code and basic Python coding or data analysis

Salary Range: $13/hr

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 0.5

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: Lab/Research Assistant 1

Contact Email:

Equal Opportunity Employer