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Lab Technician/Senior Lab Technician, Medicines for All Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) · Richmond, United States Of America · Onsite

$45,000.00  -  $61,000.00

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Lab Technician/Senior Lab Technician, Medicines for All Institute
Benefits of working at VCU

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 benefit, 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. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Job Code
Recruitment Pool All Applicants
Posting Number req8207
Unit VP Research MBU
Department Medicines For All Institute
Department Website Link https://www.vcu.edu/medicines4all/
Location VCU
Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
Duties & Responsibilities Job Summary
Medicines for All (M4ALL), a part of Virginia Commonwealth University, is an entrepreneurial, impact-oriented institute dedicated to dramatically improving global access to lifesaving medicines. We achieve this through synthetic process innovation and advanced technology deployment to reduce costs and waste in small molecule drug substance manufacturing. Our work supports treatments for diseases such as TB, malaria, HIV, oncology, metabolic diseases, CNS, and immunology.

We are seeking a highly skilled and adaptable Senior Lab Technician to play a central role in advancing our research mission. This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of critical laboratory operations while contributing directly to cutting-edge scientific projects. With responsibilities spanning experiment execution, laboratory management, and operational leadership, this role provides broad exposure and the chance to be a part of impactful research.

Key Responsibilities:
This role combines hands-on lab work with logistics, coordination, and operational support, with a focus on maintaining a safe and efficient research environment. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-moving, evolving environment, stepping in wherever needed to support the organization’s goals. You will take initiative, adapt to shifting priorities, and contribute across multiple functions to ensure the success of both the lab and broader organizational objectives.

Lab Duties:
•   Collaborate with researchers on complex procedures, data management, and preparation of scientific reports and presentations.
•   Maintain, clean, and monitor laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure proper functioning.
•   Ensure laboratory supplies and reagents are properly stocked and readily available for experiments.
•   Support and enhance overall laboratory efficiency by preparing, executing, and analyzing experiments, including work involving organic synthesis.
•   Proactively identify opportunities to enhance experimental workflows and introduce innovative approaches to bench science, including troubleshooting complex processes.

Administrative Support

•   Serve as an active member of the Lab Operations team, contributing to all aspects of laboratory support and providing coverage to ensure seamless continuity when needs arise.
•   Handle clerical tasks essential for daily lab operations.
•   Assist in formatting, editing, and preparing scientific papers, presentations, and technical documents.
•   Help draft and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
•   Engage in knowledge-sharing, peer support, and active reinforcement of safety practices, with increasing responsibility for mentoring as experience grows.

Logistical Support
•   Manage the consumables room, including tracking, organizing, and restocking inventory.
•   Oversee routine inventory management, including ordering supplies, approving purchases within guidelines, and receiving/packaging deliveries.
•   Ensure the laboratory is stocked with necessary materials for ongoing and upcoming projects.
•   Oversee the receiving and packaging process for laboratory materials and develop streamlined systems to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and traceability of incoming supplies.

Facilities & Safety
•   Assist with safety inspections, compliance initiatives, and overall lab hygiene.
•   Adhere to and enforce laboratory safety standards and operating procedures.
•   Support continuous improvement of laboratory efficiency and overall facilities management.
•   Regularly monitor laboratory safety practices and proactively recommend improvements to strengthen compliance, increase efficiency, and enhance the overall safety culture by providing data that supports KPI reporting

Application Deadline:
Please note that applications for this position will not be accepted after September 30, 2025.


Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
•  B.S. in Chemistry or a related field; or a combination of experience and skills that equate to a degree.
•  Completion of college-level coursework in Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry 1 and 2; or equivalent professional experience.
•  Familiarity with standard chemistry lab instruments and techniques.
•  Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint and Excel) and Google Workspace (Drive, Sheets, Docs).
•  Demonstrated commitment to safety and integrity.
•  Exceptional attention to detail and a history of precise scientific documentation.
•  Comprehensive understanding of chemical and lab safety protocols.
•  Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, multi-project research environment.
•  Experience managing lab inventory, consumables, and ordering processes.
•  Commitment to collaborative teamwork while maintaining independent responsibility for assigned tasks.
•  Adaptable team player with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and adjust to evolving research needs.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•  Strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to troubleshooting experiments or operational challenges.


Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
•   Experience in formatting and editing scientific papers and presentations.
•   Familiarity with the creation of SOPs and other technical documents, as well as quality management systems (QMS) and compliance documentation.
•   Proclivity for staying updated with relevant scientific literature.

M4ALL is seeking a collaborative and thorough professional to contribute to our research teams in further expanding our ability to make an impact on access to medicines around the world. This position provides a full range of specialized technical support in a large array of areas, including organic synthesis, bench experimentation, safe laboratory practices, good documentation practices, lab management and lab hygiene, analytical chemistry and data interpretation


Title Distinction:
This job posting welcomes candidates with diverse levels of experience. We will consider hiring at either the Lab Technician or Senior Lab Technician level based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. The Senior Lab Technician will be distinguished by advanced technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and extensive experience in laboratory operations. This individual is expected to demonstrate proficiency in organic synthesis, analytical techniques, and complex experimental workflows. They will have experience managing key aspects of laboratory operations, including inventory, consumables, equipment maintenance, and workflow optimization, while also possessing a solid understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and good documentation practices.


Roles and Reporting Structure
This is an individual contributor role and reports to the Associate Director, Facilities & Safety. As a key member of the lab ops team, the selected individual will embody everyday leadership, with an expectation to lead through actions, discussions, decisions, and interactions. As a role model within the organization, you will influence others by consistently demonstrating the values and behaviors that drive our mission forward.


Work Environment
This position requires working in a chemical laboratory environment where exposure to chemical odors and reagents is common. The role involves standing for extended periods, moving around the lab, and lifting or carrying laboratory equipment, supplies, and materials as needed. Candidates should be comfortable performing hands-on laboratory work in a dynamic, fast-paced setting while adhering to all safety protocols.

The position is based at the VA Bio+Tech Park, with occasional travel within the greater Richmond area to deliver samples or handle urgent shipments.


Salary Details:
$45,000 - $61,000, commensurate with experience and aligned with the institute’s internal equity structure.

Since M4ALL's inception in 2017, we have received significant financial support from a diverse portfolio of major donors.  This position is grant-funded, with continued employment contingent upon ongoing funding.

FLSA University Employee
Job FTE 100
Exemption Status Non-Exempt
Restricted Position Yes
E-Class UF - University Employee FT
Job Category University Employee
ORP Eligible No
Salary Range $45,000 - $61,000
Compensation Type Salaried
Target Hire Date 9/15/2025
Contact Information for Candidates

Lindsey Ryder
[email protected]

Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
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