What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Specialist position at Virginia Tech?
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
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
45,000 - 55,000
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 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 Dr. Clay Wright at wrightrc@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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
- Bachelor's 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.
- Master's 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.
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
45,000 - 55,000
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 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 Dr. Clay Wright at wrightrc@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.