Director of Molecular Core Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCUs 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 fulltime university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health vision and dental coverage lifeinsurance short and longterm disability coverage retirement planning taxdeferred annuity and cash match programs flexible spending accounts tuition benefits significant paidtime off12 paid holidays and more. Explore our benefits further here: StravitzSanyalInstitute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health is revolutionary by design. Byconnecting research education and care we uncover lifechanging breakthroughsand help them reach patients sooner. Our mission is to promote liver learning andtranslation of scientific discovery to improve liverrelated health by radicalinnovation and integration of education research technology and clinicalcare.

PositionSummary:

The StravitzSanyalLiver Institute (SSLI) is seeking a Senior Research Scientist that will alsoact as the Director of the Molecular Core for SSLI. The Molecular Core Directorwill work collaboratively with the Director of the Biorepository and SSLI ITteam for seamless integration of molecular core and biorepository activities aswell as oversee design and perform molecular biology studies for all approvedSSLI research projects.

Core Responsibilities:

Teaching 20

Oversee training of staff and trainees in molecular biology methods.

Research 80

Oversee Molecular Biology procedures (real time PCR Digital PCR Western blots Nanodrop Transfections etc.
Working with Tissue Core on spatial transcriptomics
Oversee use of Molecular Biology equipment
Work with VCU and Massey Cores to assist SSLI members to get access and support the Director of Tissue Core and Biorepository
Ensure timeliness of molecular studies and to meet milestones established at beginning of each project
Develop and maintain a charge master for use of molecular core for different tiers of SSLI members and for grant development
To oversee maintenance of equipment related to molecular studies
To meet with SSLI members who need molecular biology services to facilitate protocol development and set up study implementation and use of core facilities
To maintain record of utilization of equipment and services for molecular and link these to grant applications and grant funding obtained using these core facilities
Design and Analysis of specific projects related to molecular biology and participate in the design team
Design and work with SSLI Data Core Omics scientists to design studies using spatial transcriptomics proteomics and single cell RNA seq
Design and implement data flow from SSLI molecular core to bioinformatics team and vice versa
Work with Biorepository and IT teams to ensure data integrity and storage of data in a secure manner
Participate in meetings with external sponsors related to access to directors projects and develop scope of work packages for review by the director and SSLI leadership and compliance prior to approval for sharing
To generate reports for external entities and leadership on status of specific projects as needed
Develop maintain and update standard molecular biological procedural protocols for Institute members to use in their research. These will be posted on the SSLI Wiki for internal use
Verification of the utility and quality of research reagents and equipment used for molecular biological studies
Develop new molecular biological protocols that become available for cell and molecular biological work as requested by SSLI members and approved by the CSO
Provide monthly (or quarterly) reports of activities trainings new equipment requests concerns and new ideas for studies/techniques to the CSO
Oversee function wide budget and ensures compliance with all regulatory standards and audits Identify training and development needs for direct reports and implement appropriate programs that will broaden knowledge base for team members. Monitor new/alternative technological trends and developments and utilizes resources and tools to implement changes that will strengthen the university Strategize with management team to identify organization needs and implements appropriate research and projects. Oversee multiple projects and programs concurrently.

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

Minimum HiringStandards:

Bachelors degree or equivalent applicable combination of training education and experience. Preferred Masters degree or an equivalent combination of training & are responsible for longrange strategic planning and must possess a comprehensive knowledge of the service or functional area.
The candidate must have published in peer reviewed journals and/or have patent applications
10 years of extensive experience on cell metabolism as it relates to liver health and liver disease

PreferredQualifications:

PhD degree in Molecular Biology or related field with postgraduate or postdoctoral training and research experience

Conceptual thinking skills complemented by a strong quantitative orientation
Solid people leadership experience with strong judgement leadership and integrity
Ability to build and leverage the capabilities of a high performing team as well as business partners across the business
Conceptual thinking skills complemented by a strong quantitative orientation
Solid people leadership experience with strong judgement leadership and integrity
Ability to build and leverage the capabilities of a high performing team as well as partners across the university
Foster innovation drive critical decisions hold internal and external partners accountable and be able to consistently deliver results
Strategic influencing skills and the ability to drive collaboration through teams

Additional Information:

ORP Eligible: YES
Hours / weeks 40 hours weekly
Title Details: Director of Molecular Core
University Title: Director RS 13
University Code: 32411Y32413Y)
University Job Family: Research & Innovation

The position will remain open until a candidate is selected.

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.

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

Required Experience:

Director