Research Associate

Virginia Tech; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Roanoke is seeking a research associate to work on NIH-funded studies related to exercise physiology, nutrition, metabolism, and diabetes. Responsibilities include managing experimental protocols, supervising staff, and data management. Applicants should have a graduate degree in a relevant field and lab management experience. Work involves tissue culture, molecular biology techniques, and supervision of research students. The position offers a dynamic research environment with a review date on 11/21/2025.

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.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise various experimental protocols.
• Data management and analysis.
• Training/supervising new research staff and students.

Skills

Research and lab management experience

Organizational skills

Excellent communication skills

Aseptic technique and tissue culture experience

Education

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

Tools

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. More information on current studies can be found at https://fbri.vtc.vt.edu/research/labs/lessard.html.

Responsibilities

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. Additional duties include data management and analysis, and training/supervising new research staff and students.

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

Employment Details

• 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.

EEO Statement

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