Job Description

A full-time research assistant is being sought to support multiple NIH-funded projects in the labs of Dr. Pearl Chiu (Chiu Lab) and Dr. Brooks Casas (Casas Lab) at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion in Roanoke, Virginia. Projects in the labs are highly interdisciplinary and combine methods from experimental and clinical psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics with functional neuroimaging and in vivo electrochemistry to investigate decision-making in healthy and clinical populations (focusing on adults with mood, anxiety, personality, or substance-use disorders, and at-risk youth).

Research assistants are an essential part of the scientific team and play a lead role in recruiting and assessing research participants, recording and managing study data, and maintaining positive communication with research participants. The successful team member will be highly detail-oriented, organized, and skilled with monitoring and adjusting priorities, problem solving, and generally ensuring the day-to-day implementation of the research studies. Data collection involves various modalities: behavioral tasks, imaging (e.g., fMRI), clinical interviews, and/or biological assays (e.g., urine, saliva). Training and supervision will be provided for all aspects of the position.

This is an excellent position for candidates interested in graduate school in cognitive or clinical psychology, neuroscience, and related fields. For motivated individuals, there may be opportunities to be involved with data analysis.

Qualifications:
1) BA/BS in psychology, neuroscience, or related field preferred
2) Prior research experience is preferred

Required application materials: Cover letter, CV/Resume, and a list of references. Two letters of recommendation will be required prior to interview. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will end once the position is filled. Expected start date is as soon as possible.

The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Pre-submission inquiries with CV may be emailed to:

Carey Caldwell (ccaldwell@vtc.vt.edu)
Lab Manager for Dr. Pearl Chiu and Dr. Brooks Casas

Required Qualifications

• Must have basic lab experience including dilutions, weighing chemicals, and understand proper chemical handling
• Must have pipette experience, preferably with micro-concentrations
• Must be able to sit or stand a lab bench for extended periods of time
• Must have a demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment, while exercising judgement and high degree of confidentiality
• Flexibility to work on weekends

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in advancing human neuroscience
• Experience with lab equipment, such as a vortexer, centrifuge, pH meter, and balance
• Experience with HPLC, electrochemistry, and/or mass spectrometry
• Previous research experience analyzing electrochemical and/or neurotransmitter data
• Experience with data analysis
• B.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field

Pay Band

3

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate

Review Date

3/15/2024

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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.