Research Scientist - Oral & Craniofacial Molecular Biology - School of Dentistry

The Philips Institute for Oral Health Research in the Department of Oral & Craniofacial Molecular Biology (OCMB) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry is seeking a full-time Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Oral & Craniofacial Innovation (LOCI). The role focuses on advancing NIH-, industry-, and foundation-funded translational research to define the spatial and molecular architecture of cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, and host-microbiome interactions.

The scientist will integrate single-cell and spatial multiomics, multiplex and deep visual proteomics, and precision-cut tumor and mucosal explant systems to create high-resolution maps of tissue microenvironments. A key responsibility is applying advanced computational and AI approaches, including machine learning and generative modeling, to build virtual tissue models, identify therapeutic targets, and test predictions in translational tissue systems.

Working with interdisciplinary teams across molecular biology, computational systems biology, and clinical oncology, the Research Scientist will translate spatial multiomic insights into precision diagnostics and next-generation therapies. Strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology, single-cell and spatial multiomics, and high-dimensional data analysis is required, with experience in cancer biology, immune-oncology, explant/organoid systems, and machine learning preferred. The position offers scientific independence and leadership in AI-enabled translational tissue modeling at VCU.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, cancer biology, immunology, bioengineering, computational biology, or a related field
• Minimum one (1) year of postdoctoral research experience
• Strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing and/or spatial multiomics, including experimental design and data interpretation
• Experience analyzing high-dimensional biological datasets (e.g., transcriptomic, proteomic, multimodal) and familiarity with relevant computational workflows
• Willingness to perform animal procedures in compliance with institutional and ethical guidelines
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams
• Experience mentoring trainees or junior personnel
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a record of peer-reviewed publications
• 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 Qualifications

• Experience in cancer biology, immune-oncology, tumor microenvironment research, or chronic inflammatory disease modeling
• Experience with translational tissue platforms (e.g., tumor explants, organoids, precision-cut tissue slices)
• Advanced computational expertise in bioinformatics, spatial and multimodal omics integration, including proficiency in R and/or Python
• Experience applying machine learning, network analysis, or multicellular interaction modeling to biological datasets
• Experience integrating transcriptomic, proteomic, and imaging-based spatial data
• Experience designing and interpreting drug perturbation or target validation studies, ideally within pharmaceutical collaborations or drug discovery pipelines
• Experience with syngeneic mouse models, lineage tracing, or genetic manipulation (e.g., CRISPR-based systems)
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative research projects and contribute to grant submissions

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, 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.

Salary Range: Commensurate

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: Yes

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Dr. Kevin Byrd

Contact Email: byrdk6@vcu.edu