Research Specialist

Job Description

The Research Assistant will support research activities within the Wright Laboratory with primary responsibilities focused on molecular biology synthetic biology and biotechnology research projects. The position will contribute to the design execution analysis and documentation of research studies while also assisting with laboratory operations undergraduate training and project coordination. Initial responsibilities will include continued development and characterization of engineered yeast strains and genetic libraries with opportunities to contribute to a broad range of ongoing research initiatives in synthetic biology metabolic engineering plant biotechnology and related fields.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Biological Systems Engineering Biological Sciences Biotechnology Bioengineering or a closely related field; or equivalent years of training and experience.
Experience with molecular biology microbiology and/or synthetic biology techniques.
Strong organizational communication and record-keeping skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree in Biological Systems Engineering Biological Sciences Biotechnology Bioengineering or a closely related field
Experience with yeast genetics microbial strain engineering or synthetic biology.
Experience training or mentoring undergraduate researchers.
Experience with laboratory management inventory control or research project coordination.
Experience with data analysis automation platforms or bioinformatics tools.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

45000 - 55000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

07/30/2026

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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