Research Laboratory Technician

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (SC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 366,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg seeks a Research Laboratory Technician to support NIH-funded research on mosquito-borne viruses, including Zika and chikungunya. The technician will run experiments in virology, vector biology, and molecular biology, including 2D and 3D cell culture, mouse infection studies, and mosquito rearing.

Responsibilities include data analysis, lab maintenance, and collaboration with team members and staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or related field.
• Experience using word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to learn new procedures.
• Strong organization skills.
• Self-motivated with high initiative.
• Ability to assume responsibility for your work.
• Ability to work on more than one project simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and carry out experiments across virology, vector biology, and molecular biology.
• Compile and analyze data; interpret results.
• Maintain general laboratory operations and keep accurate records.
• Collaborate with lab members, animal care staff, and housekeeping staff with respect.

Skills

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Learning agility

Organizational skills

Initiative

Responsibility

Multitasking

Communication

Record-keeping

Education

Biology degree (BS/MS)

Tools

Aseptic cell culture

PCR

Molecular techniques

BSL-2 virology

Animal work experience

Insectary rearing

Sequencing library prep

Job description

Job Description

The Viral Genetics and Host Interactions Laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a Research Laboratory Technician to support NIH-funded research on mosquito-borne viruses, including Zika, chikungunya, Mayaro, Sindbis, and Semliki Forest virus.
The technician will initiate and carry out experiments across virology, vector biology, and molecular biology, including 2D and 3D cell culture, mouse infection studies, mosquito rearing and transmission experiments, and nucleic acid sequencing. The position includes compiling and analyzing data, interpreting results, general laboratory maintenance, and supporting other lab members' experiments.
We are looking for someone with strong initiative and a real desire to learn, who is open to constructive feedback, and who treats colleagues both inside and outside the lab — including animal care and housekeeping staff — with respect. Collaboration and generosity toward labmates are core to how this group works.
A one-year commitment is required. Technicians who perform well have a pathway to extend the position or to apply to the Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences (BMVS) graduate program; both depend on funding and performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or related field
• experience using word processing and spreadsheet software
• ability to learn new procedures
• strong organization skills
• self-motivated, high initiative, and proactive to get things done without being told
• ability to assume responsibility for your work
• ability to work on more than one project simultaneously
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• strong organization, attention to detail, and accurate record-keeping

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with aseptic cell culture technique, bacterial cloning, PCR and other molecular techniques, experience with BSL-2 virology, animal work under IACUC protocols, insectary or arthropod rearing, molecular cloning, or sequencing library preparation.
• Experience performing experiments and procedures involving laboratory animals.

Pay Band

3; Salary

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $36,501.00, commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

10/1/2026

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