Research Associate

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High-level research experience

Authorship on scientific publications

Collaborative environment

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is looking for a research associate to join the Lessard Laboratory at Virginia Tech. This position focuses on exercise physiology, nutrition, and metabolism research within a collaborative environment. Key responsibilities include managing experimental protocols and supervising lab activities.

The ideal candidate holds a graduate degree in a relevant field and has substantial research and lab management experience. This role promises high-level research exposure and opportunities for career advancement in medical research.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree required with a focus on relevant fields.
• Proven lab management experience and organizational skills are critical.
• Adeptness in a fast-paced research setting is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise laboratory studies and experimental protocols.
• Conduct data management and analysis; train and supervise staff.
• Responsible for general lab maintenance and organization.

Skills

Research and lab management experience

Organizational skills

Excellent communication skills

Experience with aseptic technique and tissue culture

Knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology

Education

Graduate degree in biology, health sciences, biochemistry, exercise physiology or related field

Tools

Molecular biology techniques (Western blotting, PCR, immunofluorescence)

Job description

Job Description

The Lessard Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated research associate to work on laboratory studies related to exercise physiology, nutrition, metabolism, and diabetes. The lab is located within the Center for Exercise Medicine Research (CEMR) in the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) in Roanoke, Virginia. The successful candidate will work on NIH‑funded research projects to determine how exercise training, in combination with dietary and pharmacological therapies, influence health and metabolism.

The primary responsibilities of this position will be to manage and supervise various experimental protocols including tissue culture systems, mouse husbandry and physiology, and molecular biology assays. The research associate will also spend significant time and effort on general lab maintenance and organization. The successful candidate should be detail oriented and highly organized with excellent communication skills. Additional duties include data management and analysis, and training/supervising new research staff and students. Benefits of this position include gaining high‑level research experience, authorship on scientific publications, and working in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. This is an excellent position for candidates with previous research lab management experience who wish to pursue a career in medical research.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate degree in biology, health sciences, biochemistry, exercise physiology, or another related field
• Demonstrated research and lab management experience
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability and desire to succeed in a fast‑paced research environment with multiple concurrent duties
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience working with aseptic technique and tissue culture
• Knowledge and training in biochemistry and molecular biology

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising undergraduate and graduate research students
• Proficiency in various molecular biology techniques including Western blotting, PCR, and immunofluorescence
• Experience working with and handling live mice
• Experience with mouse metabolic testing including glucose tolerance testing, indirect calorimetry, body composition measurement, and exercise testing
• Knowledge and/or experience in exercise physiology, metabolism, or diabetes research

Overtime Status: Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type: Restricted

Salary Information: Commensurate with experience

Hours per week: 40+

Review Date: 11/21/2025

Additional Information: The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Brittany Shelton at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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.