Clinical Postdoctoral Associate

Virginia Tech; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 57,132 - 69,828; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech’s Clinical Research Postdoctoral Associate will lead clinical research studies at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke, contributing to design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of findings. This role offers growth toward scholarly publications, conference presentations, and grant development.

The position requires a Ph.D. in biology or neuroscience, strong experimental design and data analysis skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology, neuroscience, or related field.
• Evidence of independent experimental design, data analysis, and clear presentation of results.
• Strong documentation skills and organizational/time management abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, multi project lab, with strong communication skills.
• Experience in one or more of the following research areas: neuroscience, biology, or genetics.
• Experience with basic laboratory protocols including proper handling of mice and their behavior, molecular biology, data collection, and data management.
• Familiarity with grant relevant data packaging and with biosafety/compliance processes (IBC/IACUC/EHS/DEA).
• Experience working in a clinical research setting.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, implement, and oversee clinical research studies.
• Contribute to design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of clinical research.
• Develop research independence through scholarly publications, conference presentations, and grant development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and manage regulatory processes and data analysis.

Skills

Independent experimental design

Data analysis

Clear presentation of results

Documentation skills

Organizational/time management

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in biology, neuroscience, or related field

Tools

IBC/IACUC/EHS/DEA familiarity

Job description

Job DescriptionThe Patient Research Center (PRC) at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute will conduct research to advance human health and identify new ways of diagnosing and treating illnesses. Our first effort is focused on addressing the unmet needs in serious mental illness. To that end, we will focus on psychosis spectrum disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. We will establish a program for deeply characterizing the biology and information processing changes of affected individuals and their response to different treatments. Research Techniques will include behavioral measurements, fMRI, EEG and organoid ex-vivo modeling, and measurements will be collected longitudinally. Our goal is to create stratification that will meaningfully inform the future of precision medicine for psychotic disorders.

The Clinical Research Postdoctoral Associate plays a significant role in the planning, coordination, implementation, and oversight of clinical research studies in accordance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, institutional policies, and applicable federal guidelines. Working under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Postdoctoral Associate conducts independent and collaborative research activities focused on advancing scientific knowledge and improving clinical outcomes. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of clinical research studies while gaining expertise in research methodologies, clinical protocols, regulatory processes, data analysis, and scientific communication. This position provides opportunities to develop research independence through scholarly publications, conference presentations, grant development, and collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams. Position requires local travel between Roanoke and New River Valley locations. Position requires pre-employment conviction, driving, and drug-panel screening.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology, neuroscience, or related field. Ph.D. must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Possess a solid background in developmental biology, neurophysiology, or molecular biology.
• Evidence of independent experimental design, data analysis, and clear presentation of results.
• Strong documentation skills and organizational/time management abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, multi project lab, with strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following research areas: neuroscience, biology, or genetics.
• Experience with basic laboratory protocols including proper handling of mice and their behavior , molecular biology, data collection, and data management.
• Experience contributing to manuscripts or scientific presentations; familiarity with grant relevant data packaging.
• Familiarity with relevant biosafety and compliance processes (IBC/IACUC/EHS/DEA)
• Experience working in a clinical research setting.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $63,480; Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

8/12/26

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 Brittany Shelton at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.