Hourly Wage Lab Technician

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Craige Lab at Virginia Tech seeks a highly organized Lab Technician with wet lab experience to support ongoing research, maintain lab infrastructure, and develop organizational strategies. The role reports to the Lab Manager and emphasizes proactive bench science, collaboration, and efficient system design.

The candidate will perform molecular biology techniques, assist with rodent colony management, and help ensure smooth day-to-day operations in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or related field; or equivalent training/experience.
• Hands-on wet lab experience with basic molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with rodent colony management and genotyping.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to create and maintain efficient systems.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage time across multiple ongoing projects.
• Perform routine molecular biology techniques (buffer prep, PCR, qPCR, centrifugation, cell culture, Western blot).
• Collaborate with lab members to support experimental needs and maintain a clean, stocked lab environment.
• Develop and implement strategies for lab organization and workflow efficiency.
• Aid in maintaining and managing rodent colonies including handling, breeding, and genotyping.

Skills

Wet lab experience

Organizational skills

Time management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology/biochemistry/neuroscience

Tools

qPCR

PCR

Western blotting

Cell culture

Job description

Job Description

The Craige Lab research group at Virginia Tech is seeking a highly organized and proactive Lab Technician with wet lab experience to join our collaborative and dynamic team. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on wet lab bench science, is interested in creating efficient systems, enjoys taking initiative, and is passionate about supporting cutting-edge research through strong organizational leadership. The technician will report directly to the Lab Manager and will play a key role in supporting ongoing research, maintaining lab infrastructure, and contributing to the development of organizational strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage time and responsibilities across multiple ongoing projects.
• Perform routine molecular biology techniques including buffer preparation, PCR, qPCR, centrifugation, cell culture, and western blotting.
• Collaborate with lab members to support experimental needs and maintain a clean, well-stocked lab environment.
• Develop and implement creative strategies for lab organization and workflow efficiency.
• Aid in maintaining and managing rodent colonies, including handling, breeding, and genotyping.
• Work closely with the lab manager to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or a related field; or, equivalent years of training and experience; Hands-on wet lab experience; Proficiency in basic molecular biology lab techniques and protocols; Experience with rodent colony management and genotyping; Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to create and maintain efficient systems; Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree; Interest in contributing to publications and long-term research projects; Strong communication and collaboration skills; Experience with lab inventory systems or organizational software; Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset; Enthusiasm for improving lab infrastructure and operations; Interest in contributing to publications and advancing professional.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$19.00-$22.00/hr.

Hours per week

29

Review Date

10/26/2026

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