Part Time Research Assistant

Virginia Tech; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's Pan lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke is hiring a part-time Research Assistant to support day-to-day lab operations. The incumbent will assist with basic lab management, animal care, supply ordering, buffer preparation, and equipment maintenance.

We seek a motivated candidate who can organize protocols and materials, work independently or as part of a team, and gain experience in biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience in a fast-paced academic setting.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated organizational skills and safety awareness.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Basic laboratory management and daily operations.
• Animal husbandry and care for zebrafish models.
• Ordering supplies and maintaining inventory.
• Preparing buffers and solutions for experiments.
• Maintaining lab equipment and organizing manuals.

Skills

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Written and verbal communication

Independent and team work

Time-management

Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint

Database proficiency

Laboratory bench work

Work with animals

Tools

PCR

Immunohistochemistry

In situ hybridization

Fluorescent imaging

Job description

Job Description

The Pan lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) at Virginia Tech Carilion uses zebrafish to understand the complex interactions between genes, neural circuits, and behavior. The lab aims to elucidate the roles of cell adhesion molecules and candidate disease genes in assembling neurons into functional neural pathways.

Lab website: https://fbri.vtc.vt.edu/research/labs/pan.html

Currently, the Pan lab is seeking to hire a part time Research Assistant. The incumbent will be responsible for basic laboratory management, animal husbandry, ordering supplies, preparing buffers and solutions, maintaining laboratory equipment, organization of lab manuals/protocols/materials, and perform specific research tasks as needed.

We seek a bright, enthusiastic, and motivated individual interested in working with zebrafish and understanding the mysteries of brain development. As a member of the Pan lab, the ideal candidate would share our commitment to help create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all its members. They should also be flexible and enjoy a fast-paced research environment. This position will provide an excellent opportunity to gain research experience in biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated organizational skills and acknowledgement of safety protocols.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and exceptional time-management skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent.
• Ability to generate and utilize computer databases.
• Must be able to sit or stand at a lab bench for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work with animals

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or training in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field.
• Previous experience in a biomedical research laboratory.
• Proficiency with one or more of the following laboratory techniques: PCR, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and fluorescent imaging.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

Up to 32

Review Date

9/25/2026

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