Unit: College of Humanities and Sciences 

Department: School of Life Sciences and Sustainability

Position Summary/Overview:

The Ehrlich Lab in the Department of Developmental, Cellular and Molecular Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with expertise in cell signaling, trafficking, cell culture and fluorescence microscopy to join our research team. Our lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric and substance use disorders, using mammalian cell and neuronal culture models combined with quantitative imaging and biochemical approaches to study how drugs of abuse affect cell biology and neuronal function. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to lead independent research projects, contribute to high-impact publications, and gain mentorship in a collaborative, well-resourced environment. To apply, please submit a curriculum-vitae (CV), cover letter, and name and contact information for three references through VCU Jobs.  This is a one year position, renewable for up to three years contingent on performance and funding. 

The Ehrlich lab has just been established and offers the candidate an environment to learn how to set up a research lab as well as a prominent role in mentoring junior trainees. The successful candidate is expected to obtain fellowship funding within the first 2 years. The lab has recently been awarded National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) funding to follow-up our exciting findings. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38678559/) that discovered the analgesic morphine activated mu opioid receptor localizes and traffics to the neuronal primary cilium. This foundational work is opening the door to an entirely new area of opioid research which may have far-reaching impact on areas including addiction and pain. Our work is funded by NIDA and combines mammalian cell culture, neuronal/neuroscience-relevant model systems, quantitative fluorescence microscopy, and biochemical approaches to dissect the cellular pathways underlying opioid action at the molecular level. VCU is a top-tier research university located in Richmond, Virginia, with strong core facilities in genomics, microscopy, and flow cytometry, and a vibrant, collaborative biomedical research community.

NOTE: The successful candidate understands that this is a restricted position and ongoing employment depends on continued funding.

Position Responsibilities:

• General lab operation and maintenance in a mammalian cell biology lab. 

• Design and execution of independent experiments within the lab's broader research program including generating primary neuronal cultures from rodents. 

•  Maintenance and manipulation of mammalian cell lines, including transfection, electroporation and generation of stable/mutant cell lines.

• Assessment of cellular phenotypes via localization, quantitative fluorescence microscopy, and biochemical approaches. 

• Data processing, analysis, and preparation of figures for presentation and publication.

• Presentation of data and findings at university and national-level events and symposiums

• Training and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.

• Grantsmanship training will be acquired through postdoctoral fellowship applications

• Contribute to grant writing and lab administrative tasks as needed.

• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD (or expected completion by start date) in Life Sciences, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.

• Knowledgeable about vesicular endocytosis and trafficking machinery • Background or interest in mechanistic experimental design

• Extensive hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture or relevant model system, including maintenance, passaging, and transfection of cell lines

• Proficiency in quantitative fluorescence microscopy and biological image analysis (e.g., ImageJ) 

• Proficiency in general cell biology and biochemistry techniques, including DNA gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE/Western blotting, protein purification, and protein-protein interaction assays (e.g., pulldowns)

• Statistical analysis skills (e.g., GraphPad Prism) and general data processing/analysis

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing and public presentation

• Demonstrated research productivity (minimum 2 first-author peer-reviewed publications)

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment 

• 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 with neuronal cell culture or other neuroscience-relevant model systems. 

• Experience with molecular cloning and PCR-based genetic editing.

• Experience with scientific graphic design (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, biorender, Illustrator) for figure preparation.

• Prior experience training and mentoring graduate or undergraduate students • Strong project planning and management skills.

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, 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: $55,000-$65,000

Restricted: Yes

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

ORP Eligible: Yes

Contact Information:
Contact Name:  Aliza Ehrlich
Contact Email:  ehrlicha@vcu.edu