Laboratory Technician

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support research on soil and stormwater properties. The role involves sample preparation, analyses, equipment maintenance, and helping students in the lab.

Responsibility includes field sampling and ensuring compliance with EHS regulations; the position is non-exempt with potential overtime and a salary range of $20.00–$25.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience in a scientific research lab.
• Knowledge of lab safety and hazardous waste disposal.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office for data entry and record keeping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and conduct routine and specialized analyses for soil and stormwater studies.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment; ensure EHS compliance.
• Train/guide undergraduate and graduate researchers on basic lab protocols.
• Occasional field work collecting soil/plant samples at research farms or field sites.

Skills

Lab experience

Organizational skills

Time management

Data entry

Verbal communication

Written communication

Safety protocols

Education

Bachelor's in Plant Science

Bachelor's in Soil Science

Equivalent experience

Tools

Excel

Office Suite

Calibration skills

Job description

Job Description

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) is seeking a highly organized and motivated Laboratory Technician to support ongoing research projects in the chemical and physical properties of soil and stormwater runoff.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting the lab manager in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the laboratory. Primary duties include preparing samples, conducting routine and specialized laboratory analyses, maintaining and calibrating scientific equipment, and ensuring compliance with university environmental health and safety (EHS) regulations. The Technician will also assist in providing training or guidance to undergraduate and graduate student researchers on basic lab protocols. Occasional field work such as collecting soil/plant samples at research farms or field sites may be required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated experience working in a scientific research laboratory.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety protocols and hazardous waste disposal procedures.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with a high attention to detail.
• Proficiency in standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Excel) for data entry and basic record keeping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with specific analytical techniques such as soil extractions for nutrient analysis and instrument upkeep and maintenance.
• Prior experience conducting field research or agricultural sampling.

Pay Band

2

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$20.00 - $25.00; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

Varies

Review Date

September 29, 2026

Additional Information

• Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor work visas for this position.
• Moderate to heavy lifting (25 pounds plus).
• Safe driving record.
• Ability to work in outside elements (i.e. weather.)
• Considerable walking, standing, bending, stooping.
• 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, and 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. Athena Tilley at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.