Job Description
The Ni Laboratory in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a motivated and reliable laboratory technician to support ongoing research projects while taking primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the laboratory. Approximately 70% of the technician’s time will be dedicated to supporting research projects, with an initial focus on investigating sensory processing in spotted-wing drosophila, as well as contributing to other ongoing and emerging projects in the laboratory. Research assignments may evolve over time based on the needs and priorities of the laboratory. Approximately 30% of the technician’s time will be devoted to ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the laboratory.
The technician will oversee essential laboratory operations, including maintaining fly stocks, preparing fly food, maintaining accurate records, managing laboratory supplies, and coordinating routine orders to ensure that the laboratory is well organized and adequately supplied to support research activities. The successful candidate is expected to commit to a minimum of two years.
Required Qualifications
- BS or equivalent experience in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related discipline.
- A strong interest in neuroscience research
- Basic familiarity with biological laboratory environments and fundamental chemistry.
- Willingness to perform fruit fly-related research
- Comfortable working with live animals
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience using Drosophila (fruit flies) as a research model
- Experience with electrophysiology
- Experience using a microscope such as confocal imaging or two-photon scope
- Basic knowledge of molecular neuroscience and familiarity with standard laboratory equipment
- Basic programming or data analysis skills (Python, R, MATLAB)
Pay Band
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$42,000–$48,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications
Hours per week
40
Review Date
11/11/2026
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.
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 Natalie Langowsky at nlangowsky@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
