Laboratory Technician

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's Ni Laboratory in the School of Neuroscience seeks a motivated laboratory technician to support active research projects and run daily lab operations. The role allocates about 70% to research, starting with studying sensory processing in spotted-wing drosophila, and about 30% to keep the lab well organized and compliant.

Responsibilities include maintaining fly stocks, preparing fly food, keeping accurate records, managing supplies, and coordinating routine orders.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Maintain fly stocks and prepare fly food.
• Maintain accurate records for the lab.
• Manage laboratory supplies and coordinate routine orders.
• Ensure smooth and efficient operation of the laboratory.
• Support ongoing research projects, starting with sensory processing in spotted-wing drosophila.

Skills

Strong interest in neuroscience

Willingness to work with fruit flies

Comfortable with live animals

Education

BS in Neuroscience, Biology, or related discipline

Tools

Confocal imaging

Two-photon microscopy

Electrophysiology

Molecular neuroscience basics

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

Job Description

The Ni Laboratory in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a motivated and reliable laboratory technician to support ongoing research projects while taking primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the laboratory. Approximately 70% of the technician’s time will be dedicated to supporting research projects, with an initial focus on investigating sensory processing in spotted-wing drosophila, as well as contributing to other ongoing and emerging projects in the laboratory. Research assignments may evolve over time based on the needs and priorities of the laboratory. Approximately 30% of the technician’s time will be devoted to ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the laboratory.

The technician will oversee essential laboratory operations, including maintaining fly stocks, preparing fly food, maintaining accurate records, managing laboratory supplies, and coordinating routine orders to ensure that the laboratory is well organized and adequately supplied to support research activities. The successful candidate is expected to commit to a minimum of two years.

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

Restricted

Salary Information

$42,000–$48,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Hours per week

40

Review Date

11/11/2026

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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