Research Assistant

Job Description

One full-time Research Assistant is being sought to support multiple projects in the lab of Dr. Yassine Sassi at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion in Roanoke, Virginia.

The Sassi laboratory has a diverse, friendly, and professional lab environment in which students, postdocs, and technicians enjoy interacting and collaborating. The scientific objectives of the current projects in the lab are to: 1) advance our understanding of the basic biology of cardiac and pulmonary diseases, and 2) identify and translate novel targets for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary fibrosis.

Basic duties will include, but will not be limited to, providing instruction and assistance in the use of laboratory equipment and research methods and techniques to other team members; maintaining laboratory protocols; safety compliance; inventory of chemicals, supplies, and equipment; reagent preparation; ordering supplies, general laboratory maintenance and organization; working with laboratory animals; analyzing and summarizing research findings; maintaining mammalian cell lines; additional responsibilities will include molecular and cellular biology and histology.

Research Assistants are an essential part of the scientific team and play a lead role in organizing and conducting the research experiments. The successful team member will be highly detail-oriented, organized, and skilled in monitoring and adjusting priorities, problem-solving, and generally ensuring the day-to-day implementation of the research programs. Opportunities to participate in data analysis, and manuscript and/or grant preparation will be available for interested candidates.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge or experience working in a research environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and team skills.
• Highly motivated and creative.
• Ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.
• Demonstrated experience with office suite/search engine applications and/or other related programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in the following areas: work with laboratory animals, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology and histology
• Training with Laboratory Safety and/or Animal Handling
• Additional experience with lab management, including ordering supplies, maintaining lab materials, and maintaining equipment
• Coursework or training in life sciences

Pay Band

3

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate

Review Date

9/6/2024

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.

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.