Research Laboratory Technician

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is supported by a newly funded NIGMS Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA, R35) to Dr. James Weger-Lucarelli, which investigates how viral and host factors shape regulated cell death (RCD) and modulate virus replication, with a focus on single- and multicellular 3D tissue-relevant systems. We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic postdoc with hands-on expertise in building and characterizing 3D multicellular tissue models — including hiPSC-derived and primary-cell co-culture/organoid systems — to lead studies defining how spatial and multicellular context shapes cell death pathway engagement, extracellular danger signaling (DAMPs/EVs), and replication of alphaviruses (Semliki Forest virus) and orthoflaviviruses (Zika virus). The ideal candidate will have direct experience establishing multicellular 3D organoid or co-culture systems and differentiating cells into relevant cell types (e.g., M1- and M2-macrophages/microglia), alongside a solid conceptual understanding of virology, immunology, or host-pathogen interactions. The candidate will also apply molecular, cellular, and imaging-based approaches — including flow cytometry, qPCR, western blotting, ELISA, and confocal microscopy — to quantify RCD and characterize virus-host interactions, and will collaborate with computational and imaging collaborators on single-cell RNA sequencing datasets generated from these models. A positive attitude and a willingness to face uncomfortable situations with the goal of learning are crucial to success in this position. The PI will work directly with the candidate and seek to help the candidate develop their career in the trajectory that best suits their interests. Duties will involve performing in vitro procedures and training in BSL2 and BSL3 labs. Responsibilities also include data analysis, report and manuscript preparation, and compliance with all safety regulations. Finally, the candidate is expected to train and assist graduate and undergraduate students in their experiments in collaborative projects.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Immunology, Virology, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.
Hands-on experience establishing, maintaining, and characterizing multicellular 3D tissue models (organoids, spheroids, or co-cultures) derived from primary and/or hiPSC-derived cells.
Experience with hiPSC culture, maintenance, and directed differentiation protocols.
Humility: The desire to constantly learn and take feedback from everyone.
Leadership: The desire to lead and complete projects and take ownership of successes and failures.
Teamwork: The desire to work closely with teammates towards the overall goal of the lab.
Initiative: Someone who strongly favors action over inaction.
Molecular and protein biology skills, including experience with flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, western blotting, and/or ELISA.
Substantial experience independently organizing and conducting complex procedures and experiments with minimal supervision.
Should be enthusiastic and dedicated, have the ability and interest in learning new techniques, including virus handling and BSL2/BSL3 procedures (training provided).

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working directly with viruses or in an infectious disease research setting.
Experience with confocal or spinning-disk confocal microscopy and image-based analysis.
Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) library preparation and/or analysis.
Experience with immunocytochemical staining, in vivo/animal procedures, or CRISPRi/CRISPRa perturbation approaches.

Responsibilities

Performing in vitro procedures and training in BSL2 and BSL3 labs.
Data analysis, report and manuscript preparation.
Compliance with all safety regulations.
Train and assist graduate and undergraduate students in their experiments in collaborative projects.