Research Technician

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's Montague Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC is seeking a Research Technician to support general laboratory operations and data collection for in‑vitro and in‑vivo neurochemical research. The role includes operating equipment in a clinical setting during study sessions with research participants.

The successful candidate will maintain careful records, interact professionally with participants, and thrive in a fast-paced lab environment while adhering to

Qualifications

• Must be an effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• Must have basic lab experience including dilutions, weighing chemicals, and understand proper chemical handling
• Must have pipette experience, preferably with micro-concentrations
• Must be able to work independently and manage time effectively
• Must be detail oriented
• Must be comfortable with computer software
• Must be able to sit or stand a lab bench for extended periods of time
• Demonstrated interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail
• Must have a demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals
• Exercise judgement and high degree of confidentiality

Responsibilities

• Perform general laboratory operations and collect data for in‑vitro and in‑vivo research projects.
• Operate equipment in a clinical setting during study sessions with research participants.
• Maintain detailed records of interactions with participants in a hospital setting.
• Support a fast-paced research environment and ensure safety and compliance.

Skills

Communication skills

Lab experience

Pipette experience

Time management

Attention to detail

Computer skills

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Education

Biology / Biochemistry / Chemistry degree

Tools

Vortexer

Centrifuge

pH meter

Balance

HPLC

Mass spectrometry

Electrochemistry

3D printing

Job description

Job Description

The Montague Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC is seeking a Research Technician to complete general laboratory operations and collect data for in‑vitro and in‑vivo research projects. The lab is currently employing advanced quantitative methods to conduct leading‑edge research on the role of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine) in the human brain to understand human cognitive function and dysfunction. The research technician will be responsible for in‑vitro data collection to inform in‑vivo models of human neurochemistry. The technician will also be responsible for operating equipment in a clinical setting during study sessions with research participants. The successful candidate should be detail oriented, keeping careful records of interactions with participants in a hospital setting (such as in an operating room or recovery suite during their stay). They should also be flexible and enjoy fast‑paced research environment.

Required Qualifications

• Must be an effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• Must have basic lab experience including dilutions, weighing chemicals, and understand proper chemical handling
• Must have pipette experience, preferably with micro‑concentrations
• Must be able to work independently and manage time effectively
• Must be detail oriented
• Must be comfortable with computer software
• Must be able to sit or stand a lab bench for extended periods of time
• Demonstrated interpersonal, analytical and problem‑solving skills with strong attention to detail
• Must have a demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals
• Exercise judgement and high degree of confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field
• General Shop Experience
• 3D printing
• Pipette experience, preferably with micro‑concentrations
• Interest in advancing human neuroscience through dedicated repeat‑experiments
• Experience with lab equipment, such as a vortexer, centrifuge, pH meter, and balance
• Experience with HPLC, electrochemistry, and/or mass spectrometry
• Demonstrated communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions
• Previous research experience

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non‑Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

4/24/2026

Additional Information

We are unable to sponsor work visas for this position.

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