What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Technician (Ni Lab) position at Virginia Tech?
Job Description
The Ni laboratory in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a motivated laboratory technician to assist with ongoing research activities. This role involves supporting projects that investigate sensory processing in the spotted-wing drosophila. This is an hourly position requiring a commitment of 30 hours per week during weekdays.
Required Qualifications
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
Hours per week
30
Review Date
7/06/2026
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 nlangow3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
The Ni laboratory in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a motivated laboratory technician to assist with ongoing research activities. This role involves supporting projects that investigate sensory processing in the spotted-wing drosophila. This is an hourly position requiring a commitment of 30 hours per week during weekdays.
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
- 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)
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
Hours per week
30
Review Date
7/06/2026
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 nlangow3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.