Research Laboratory Technician

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Viral Genetics and Host Interactions Laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a Research Laboratory Technician to support NIH-funded research on mosquito-borne viruses, including Zika, chikungunya, Mayaro, Sindbis, and Semliki Forest virus. The technician will initiate and carry out experiments across virology, vector biology, and molecular biology, including 2D and 3D cell culture, mouse infection studies, mosquito rearing and transmission experiments, and nucleic acid sequencing. The position includes compiling and analyzing data, interpreting results, general laboratory maintenance, and supporting other lab members' experiments. We are looking for someone with strong initiative and a real desire to learn, who is open to constructive feedback, and who treats colleagues both inside and outside the lab — including animal care and housekeeping staff — with respect. Collaboration and generosity toward labmates are core to how this group works. A one-year commitment is required. Technicians who perform well have a pathway to extend the position or to apply to the Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences (BMVS) graduate program; both depend on funding and performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or related field
• Experience using word processing and spreadsheet software
• Ability to learn new procedures
• Strong organization skills
• Self-motivated, high initiative, and proactive to get things done without being told
• Ability to assume responsibility for your work
• Ability to work on more than one project simultaneously
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and accurate record-keeping

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with aseptic cell culture technique
• Bacterial cloning
• PCR and other molecular techniques
• Experience with BSL-2 virology
• Animal work under IACUC protocols
• Insectary or arthropod rearing
• Molecular cloning
• Sequencing library preparation
• Experience performing experiments and procedures involving laboratory animals

Responsibilities

• Initiate and carry out experiments across virology, vector biology, and molecular biology
• Perform 2D and 3D cell culture
• Conduct mouse infection studies
• Perform mosquito rearing and transmission experiments
• Conduct nucleic acid sequencing
• Compile and analyze data
• Interpret results
• Perform general laboratory maintenance
• Support other lab members' experiments

Benefits

• Pathway to extend the position based on funding and performance
• Pathway to apply to the Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences (BMVS) graduate program based on funding and performance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level