Laboratory & Research Support Coordinator

Job Description

The Invasive Species Research and Extension (ISRE) Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking a highly organized people-first Laboratory & Research Support Coordinator who enjoys working closely with students and helping build a positive inclusive and productive research community. This position plays a central role in the day-to-day operations of a growing and collaborative research program focused on the evolutionary ecology and management of invasive species. The successful candidate will coordinate and mentor a team of undergraduate researchers by overseeing onboarding scheduling training and task assignments while fostering a supportive and collaborative laboratory addition the laboratory manager will support laboratory operations and administrative functions including purchasing inventory management equipment maintenance research logistics permitting vehicle reservations and maintenance of laboratory organization and safety procedures. The position offers an exciting opportunity to help shape the growth of a new and expanding research program while supporting student development and facilitating high-quality research.

Required Qualifications

-Bachelors degree in ecology entomology environmental science biology natural resources or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience;
-Ability to work outdoors under varying environmental conditions and travel to field sites (including overnight camping) as needed
- Experience developing and implementing training protocols onboarding procedures and lab and field safety practices related to invasive species and invasive species management;
- Experience with field and laboratory research methods sample collection quality assurance processes and data management;
- Experience supporting research monitoring and management programs related to ecological systems
-Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously
-Experience working with spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) and Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria spp.)
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills including significant science communication experience to diverse audiences
-Valid drivers license or ability to obtain one by the start date

Preferred Qualifications

-Knowledge of Virginia Techs internal administrative systems including HokieMart for purchasing and Banner Time Entry for wage employee timekeeping.
-Experience managing laboratory budgets purchasing or administrative logistics
-Experience coordinating large undergraduate research teams or implementing mentoring programs
-Familiarity with extension and stakeholder-engaged research programs

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Hours per week

40 hours a week

Review Date

07/10/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt 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 aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors 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 numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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