Research Technician

Job Description

The laboratory of Dr. Ryunosuke Amo at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC is seeking a Research Technician to support general laboratory operations, collect data for research projects investigating neurocircuit mechanisms of learning and decision-making, with a focus on dopamine neural coding and its dysfunction. The research technician will be responsible for working with experimental animals (primarily mice and possibly zebrafish), animal husbandry, surgeries, building experimental rigs, conducting behavioral tasks, performing histological analysis, and monitoring brain activity using electrical and optical approaches. Additionally, the technician will operate and maintain equipment used for experiments. The successful candidate should be detail oriented, maintain accurate records of experimental results, and be highly motivated to learn and contribute to neuroscience research aimed at elucidating the neurocircuit mechanism of learning and decision making and their dysfunction. They should also be flexible and enjoy a 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 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
• Although extensive prior experience with rodents is not required, candidate must be comfortable learning how to handle rodents and perform surgeries
• Must have a demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or training in Biology, Bioengineering, Neuroscience or a related field
• General laboratory experience
• Coding experience
• Interest in advancing neuroscience through dedicated repeat-experiments
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and team skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions
• Previous research experience

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate

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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 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 sheltb@vtc.vt.edu  during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.