What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant position at Virginia Tech?
Job Description
The Noninvasive Ultrasound Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech in association with the Department of Neuroscience has an immediate opening for a highly motivated research assistant. The Noninvasive Ultrasound Lab led by Dr. Wynn Legon, studies human neuromodulation primarily using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU). The research seeks to develop and optimize LIFU as a new human brain mapping tool and for translation to clinical therapies in addiction, mental health and pain. Knowledge in basic computer skills, record keeping and experience with human data collection is required. The candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills and be comfortable working with a diverse population including clinical patients, engineers, and scientists. Experience working in a research laboratory is helpful but not mandatory. The lab requires the candidate to interact with patients, participants, clinicians and researchers on and off site to maintain operation of lab research activities including collection of human subjects data that includes using electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG), continuous blood-pressure monitoring, application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and collection of behavioral data. This position also requires initiating and maintaining IRB applications, storing and filing electronic and paper data as well some basic data analysis and presentation. Training is provided for all above skill and techniques. Some familiarity with the above techniques/requirements is a plus. Strong intrapersonal skills and desire and ability to work with different participants and patient populations is a must. There is opportunity for the candidate to participate in research publication and attendance at national scientific conferences if able and appropriate. The Legon team was the first to apply LIFU to humans for non-invasive neuromodulation and seeks to extend our ground-breaking findings to clinical and therapeutic applications including addiction, mental health and pain.
Required Qualifications
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with Experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
7/16/26
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 Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
The Noninvasive Ultrasound Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech in association with the Department of Neuroscience has an immediate opening for a highly motivated research assistant. The Noninvasive Ultrasound Lab led by Dr. Wynn Legon, studies human neuromodulation primarily using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU). The research seeks to develop and optimize LIFU as a new human brain mapping tool and for translation to clinical therapies in addiction, mental health and pain. Knowledge in basic computer skills, record keeping and experience with human data collection is required. The candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills and be comfortable working with a diverse population including clinical patients, engineers, and scientists. Experience working in a research laboratory is helpful but not mandatory. The lab requires the candidate to interact with patients, participants, clinicians and researchers on and off site to maintain operation of lab research activities including collection of human subjects data that includes using electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG), continuous blood-pressure monitoring, application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and collection of behavioral data. This position also requires initiating and maintaining IRB applications, storing and filing electronic and paper data as well some basic data analysis and presentation. Training is provided for all above skill and techniques. Some familiarity with the above techniques/requirements is a plus. Strong intrapersonal skills and desire and ability to work with different participants and patient populations is a must. There is opportunity for the candidate to participate in research publication and attendance at national scientific conferences if able and appropriate. The Legon team was the first to apply LIFU to humans for non-invasive neuromodulation and seeks to extend our ground-breaking findings to clinical and therapeutic applications including addiction, mental health and pain.
Required Qualifications
- Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and team skills
- Basic computer skills
- Record keeping and experience with data collection
- Ability to work with different participants and patient populations
- Coursework or training in health science, neuroscience, psychology, kinesiology or related field
- Relevant experience in a research setting
- Demonstrated experience supporting and coordinating human subjects' research
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with Experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
7/16/26
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 Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.