Job no: 524184
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Fralin Biomedical Res. Institute
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific
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) behaviors/stereotaxic surgeries as well as molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA technology, and molecular cloning. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated basic management skills, including managing lab research protocols and coordinating the training of lower-level researchers. The Research Associate is expected, with guidance and support from her or his supervisor, to maintain familiarity with current scientific literature and contribute to the process of a project within his or her scientific discipline, as well as investigating, creating, and developing new methods for project advancement. The Research Associate may also conduct research under the general direction of the Principal Investigator. The Research Associate participates in the evaluation of research results and recommends refinements in scientific protocols used in research. Please refer the most recent publication in the Shin lab (Nature Neuroscience, 2022): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-022-01208-0
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 of 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 submission of 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 Bachelor’s degree with significant related training and lab experience, including some supervisory or managerial experience.
• Proficiency in animal (mouse) behaviors/stereotaxic surgeries as well as molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA technology, and molecular cloning
• 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.
• The 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.
• Demonstrated basic management skills, including managing lab research protocols and coordinating the training of lower-level researchers
• 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
1/17/2023
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 [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: January 3, 2023
Applications close: Open until filled
