Lab Technician (Ni Lab)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a motivated laboratory technician to assist with ongoing neuroscience research focused on sensory processing in Drosophila. This hourly, 30-hour-per-week role is on-site in Blacksburg and requires a criminal conviction check.

The successful candidate will work in the Ni laboratory within the School of Neuroscience and support projects that investigate fruit fly biology and nervous system function.

Qualifications

• BS or equivalent in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in neuroscience research.
• Willingness to perform fruit fly-related research.
• Comfortable working with live animals.
• Basic familiarity with biological lab environments and chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ongoing research activities in sensory processing.
• Support experiments involving Drosophila.
• Maintain laboratory records and assist with data collection.

Skills

Drosophila research

Electrophysiology

Programming (Python, R, MATLAB)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience/Biology or related

Tools

Confocal / two-photon microscopy

Job description

Job Description

The Ni laboratory in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a motivated laboratory technician to assist with ongoing research activities. This role involves supporting projects that investigate sensory processing in the spotted-wing drosophila. This is an hourly position requiring a commitment of 30 hours per week during weekdays.

Required Qualifications

• BS or equivalent experience in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related discipline.
• A strong interest in neuroscience research
• Basic familiarity with biological laboratory environments and fundamental chemistry.
• Willingness to perform fruit fly-related research
• Comfortable working with live animals

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using Drosophila (fruit flies) as a research model.
• Experience with electrophysiology
• Experience using a microscope such as confocal imaging or two-photon scope
• Basic knowledge of molecular neuroscience and familiarity with standard laboratory equipment
• Basic programming or data analysis skills (Python, R, MATLAB)

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Hours per week: 30

Review Date: 7/06/2026

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.

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