Aquatic Entomology Research Technician

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Tech research team is seeking a dedicated Research Technician to assist with field and lab work on aquatic entomology projects led by Dr. Sally Entrekin. You will participate in field sampling of streams, rivers and wetlands, and process water samples in the lab, supporting ongoing projects and data collection.

The successful candidate will have a B.S. in biology or related field and experience with aquatic ecology, fieldwork in challenging conditions, and the ability to work well

Qualifications

• B.S. in biology, entomology or related field; or equivalent training and experience.
• Knowledge of aquatic ecology and ecological field work.
• Experience with field work under less than ideal environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee aquatic entomology projects and support field/lab work.
• Assist with processing water samples and aquatic invertebrate sampling.

Skills

Ecological field work

Water sampling

Aquatic ecology

Teamwork

Education

B.S. in biology, entomology or related field

Tools

Macroinvertebrate ID

Laboratory techniques

Job description

Job Description

Assist with field and lab work. The applicant needs to know the basic field sampling methods for streams, rivers and wetlands that will be used to assess water condition and biological community composition and ecosystem processes. In the lab, water sample processing and aquatic invertebrate sampling will be conducted. A research technician is needed to oversee aquatic entomology projects, with an emphasis on supporting on-going field and laboratory projects supervised by Dr. Sally Entrekin

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in biology, entomology or related field; or equivalent years of training and experience; Knowledge of aquatic ecology; Experience with ecological field work; Experience working under less than ideal environmental conditions: e.g., winter and summer sampling that requires long hikes to field sites with heavy packs.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in biology, entomology or related field; Basic experience with aquatic field sampling techniques, identification of macroinvertebrates to the genus level, and an interest in aquatic ecology and entomology.

Pay Band

2

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$20.00/hr.

Hours per week

32

Review Date

09/03/2026

Additional Information

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 inclusive community 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 undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. 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 Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Sally Entrekin at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.