Agricultural Technician I

Commonwealth Of Virginia; Winchester; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a wage personnel Agricultural Technician at the AHS Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Winchester, VA. The role focuses on developing and managing fruit tree research plots with hands-on field and lab work.

The position involves tissue culture, molecular biology, and standard lab duties, with about 29 hours per week (approximately 1500 hours per year). It is non-exempt and restricted in appointment.

Qualifications

• Direct or related experience in general biology, plant science, tissue culture, molecular biology, or laboratory analyses in a wage or similar capacity.
• Computer literacy, particularly with MS Word, Excel, email, and internet applications.
• A valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare media for tissue culture, in vitro propagation, and genetic transformation experiments.
• Collect, sterilize, and culture plant tissues under sterile conditions.
• Assist with experiments related to in vitro propagation, gene editing, and transformation.
• Provide full care for plants and plantlets grown in vitro or under greenhouse conditions.
• Assist in and independently perform basic molecular biology experiments, including PCR, qRT-PCR, gel documentation, and nucleic acid quantification.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, plant materials, media preparation, autoclave logs, and experimental outputs.
• Assist in a broad range of field and laboratory experiments as needed, including sample collection from the field and laboratory evaluation of fruit quality parameters.
• Collaborate with graduate students, field technicians, and other personnel on research initiatives.

Skills

General biology

Tissue culture

Molecular biology

Laboratory analyses

MS Word, Excel

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in plant biology or related field

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Email applications

Internet applications

Job description

We are seeking a wage personnel Agricultural Technician at Virginia Tech’s AHS Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, located in Winchester, Virginia. Join the dynamic horticulture research team at the AHS Jr. AREC and play a critical role in supporting innovative research through hands‑on field and laboratory work, with a focus on the development and management of fruit tree research plots.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare media for tissue culture, in vitro propagation, and genetic transformation experiments.
• Collect, sterilize, and culture plant tissues under sterile conditions.
• Assist with experiments related to in vitro propagation, gene editing, and transformation.
• Provide full care for plants and plantlets grown in vitro or under greenhouse conditions.
• Assist in and independently perform basic molecular biology experiments, including PCR, qRT-PCR, gel documentation, and nucleic acid quantification.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, plant materials, media preparation, autoclave logs, and experimental outputs.
• Assist in a broad range of field and laboratory experiments as needed, including sample collection from the field and laboratory evaluation of fruit quality parameters.
• Collaborate with graduate students, field technicians, and other personnel on research initiatives.

This position will not exceed 1,500 hours within the payment year.

Required Qualifications

• Direct or related experience in general biology, plant science, tissue culture, molecular biology, or laboratory analyses in a wage or similar capacity.
• Computer literacy, particularly with MS Word, Excel, email, and internet applications.
• A valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in plant biology or a related field, with practical experience in tissue culture, molecular biology, or relevant laboratory skills.
• Experience in data management and supervision.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Approximately 29 hours per week/1500 hours per year

Review Date

11/6/2026

Additional Information

Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight , a , a college, , and . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous and . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Sherif Sherif at during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.