Postdoctoral Scholar, Division Bariatric Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, SOM

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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 VCUs sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU: Department Surgery

The Postdoctoral Scholar will provide technical and operational support to the collaborative research programs of Dr. Guilherme Rocha Campos and Dr. Guilherme Mazzini within the VCU Department of Surgery. This shared position will play a key role in advancing translational research focused on biology, immunology, and obesity and esophageal diseases.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will assist in daily laboratory operations, including the maintenance of cell cultures, mouse colonies, and biospecimen inventories, as well as the preparation of reagents and execution of standard molecular, cellular, and histological techniques.

Responsibilities include data collection and entry, ensuring compliance with institutional safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating with both principal investigators and laboratory staff to support ongoing research projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to work independently across two research teams, and a commitment to scientific rigor and collaboration.

Duties & Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance

• Maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment inventory for both research groups.
• Ensure proper use, cleaning, and calibration of shared equipment.
• Maintain compliance with biosafety, animal care, and institutional research standards.

Experimental Support

• Conduct molecular biology, cell culture, and immunological assays (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, flowcytometry).
• Assist with animal studies, including mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, and tissue collection, with appropriate training and IACUC approval.
• Support sample processing, labeling, and storage of human and animal specimens.
• Collect, record, and analyze experimental data under supervision of the PIs and senior lab members.

Regulatory and Administrative Support

• Coordinate research efforts between collaborating laboratories to support shared goals.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic records.
• Assist in preparing materials for IACUC, IRB, and biosafety submissions and renewals.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with all VCU, NIH, and funding agency policies.

Collaboration and Communication

• Participate in lab meetings, report progress, and assist with manuscript and grant preparation as needed.
• Foster a collaborative, organized, and efficient shared laboratory environment.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• PhD in a relevant scientific field.
• Knowledge in relevant scientific field research techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.
• Analytical skills and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Prior experience in biology, immunology, and obesity research.
• Track record of productivity and independence in research.

Salary Range: NIH Salary Scale

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: Exempt Hours per Week: 40 Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: Postdoctoral Scholar Rank: Non Faculty

Contact Name: Janelle Fortes Contact Email: Janelle.fortes@vcuhealth.org