Research Associate

Job Description

The laboratory of Dr. Sora Shin at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC (https://fbri.vtc.vt.edu/people-directory/primary-faculty/shin.html) is seeking a Research Associate. The successful candidate will be expected to have proficiency in animal (mouse) handling as well as molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA technology, and confocal microscopy. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated basic skills for stereotaxic surgery. The Research Associate is expected, with guidance and support from her or his supervisor, to contribute to the process of a project within his or her scientific discipline, as well as investigating, creating, and developing new methods for ongoing project advancement in the field of neuroscience studying. Please refer to the most recent publication in the Shin lab (Nature Communications, 2023): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42623-6

The duties of the role will include but may not be limited to the following:

• Performing stereotaxic surgery in mice.

• Performing animal behavioral tests with optogenetics and chemogenetics.

• Managing a breeding colony of transgenic mice.

• Molecular cloning, cell culture, and virus (e.g. AAV, Lenti) generation.

• Running quantitative PCR assays for gene expression and genotyping.

• Maintaining accurate and confidential records used for conducting and monitoring multiple studies.

• Participating in research team meetings to report on research progress, improve data collection processes, assist with problem-solving, and address protocol issues that arise during the course of research studies.

• Conducting literature searches to gather background information for use by the Principal Investigator (PI) and other research team members in developing, evaluating, completing, and submitting grant proposals and publications.

• Collecting and entering data from research participants per approved protocols, standard operating procedures, and experiment instructions.

Required Qualifications

• MA/MS in biology, neuroscience, or related field, and/or the equivalent level of training and lab experience, including some supervisory or managerial experience.

• Demonstrated organizational skills or experience with data management.

• Desire to succeed in a fast-paced research environment with multiple duties.

• Demonstrated attention to detail, organizational skills, and excellent communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.

• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following research areas: neuroscience, biology.

• Experience with basic laboratory protocols including proper handling of mice behavior, molecular works, data collection, and data management.

• Experience with data analysis software (Python, Matlab, etc.)

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Review Date

6/14/2024

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 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, 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.