Job Description

The Hoyt and Langwig lab are searching for a research staff member to assist in general lab management and database maintenance and curation. This position is not to exceed 1500 total hours per year, e.g. ~30 hrs/week for 50 weeks/year. The Langwig and Hoyt labs at Virginia Tech focus on the ecology and evolution of infectious disease. Both labs are housed at Steger Hall within the Fralin Life Sciences Institute.

Primary essential duties will include (1) database management and curation including entering, error checking, and documentation of all data pipelines which include field, lab, instrument, and partner datasets, (2) management of health and safety of the physical laboratory and ensuring compliance with institutional policies, (3) assistance in day-to-day lab and field operations including ordering supplies, shipping packages, prepping sampling vials, making simple solutions, (4) assistance in permitting and reporting for animal care committees and wildlife agencies (20%). Additional tasks dependent on the candidate may include (5) molecular biology skills for extracting and testing pathogen samples, and (6) culturing and maintenance of fungal isolates, and (7) assistance in field work. There are considerable opportunities for independent project development, and skill development (including quantitative and computational skills if of interest). On-site work preferred, but hybrid work can be discussed.

Required Qualifications

1. Exceptional communication skills for communicating with diverse groups including environmental health and safety personnel, animal care technicians, veterinary staff, scientific supply companies, university support staff, and graduate and undergraduate students.
2. High-level organizational abilities including attention to detail, careful checking of work, and ability to write laboratory protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

1. B.S. in biology, microbiology, epidemiology, ecology, or a related field.
2. Previous experience working in a laboratory environment.

Pay Band

2

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$23 - $27 per hour

Review Date

February 15, 2024

Additional Information

Interested candidates should submit (1) a CV and (2) a cover letter of up to two pages, highlighting the skills relevant to the proposed position (3) contact information for three professional references, upon applying online @ jobs.vt.edu. Questions about the position can be directed toward Dr. Kate Langwig at klangwig@vt.edu.

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 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 , a , a college, , and . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous and . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.