Research Associate

Job Description

The Research Associate will contribute to research activities within plant breeding and virology programs supporting various research initiatives. The position involves molecular genotyping laboratory and field-based research data collection and analysis and assisting in reporting and publication of research findings. The individual will support day-to-day laboratory operations collaborate with faculty staff and students and assist in maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The successful candidate will work with Virginia Tech faculty staff and students assist in the concept and design of research projects collect lab and field samples develop analytical methods conduct lab experiments and analyze addition the candidate will assist in supervision of undergraduate and graduate students interact with collaborators write scientific reports and may present at professional meetings and publish peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Required Qualifications

Masters degree in plant science agronomy genetics molecular biology or closely related field or a Bachelors degree with relevant experience
Experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction PCR SNP genotyping or SSR analysis
Experience working in laboratory and/or field research environments
Ability to collect manage and analyze research data
Strong organizational and communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with plant breeding programs particularly soybean or small grains
Experience with HPLC or biochemical analysis techniques
Experience with laboratory management including equipment maintenance and inventory tracking
Experience supervising or training students or research assistants
Experience contributing to grant proposals reports or scientific publications

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

57783 - 61293

Hours per week

40

Review Date

06/21/2026

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.

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.