"Research Assistant"

Research Assistant

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, 24061

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Job Description

The Maternal Influence on Neurodevelopment (MIND) Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, VA, directed by Dr. Brittany Howell, aims to understand the biological pathways (e.g., specific breast milk components, the infant gut microbiome, etc.) through which mothers affect their infant's brain and behavioral development. We accomplish this by collecting several concurrent measures, including milk samples, infant fecal samples, measures of infant structural and functional brain development using MRI collected during natural sleep, as well as other functional neuroimaging methods in awake behaving infants, and behavioral measures including parent-report and direct assessment in the lab.

The MIND Lab is looking for a full-time Research Assistant to work on the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study (https://hbcdstudy.org/recruitment_sites/virginia-tech/) and an OPM-MEG project. This Research Assistant position will contribute to various data collection and processing activities. Laboratory and research support responsibilities range from entry- to mid-level. Experience with infants and toddlers is desirable.

The primary duties of the role will include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Collecting and processing samples from research participants by approved protocols, standard operating procedures, and experiment instructions. Samples to be collected and/or processed will include human blood, urine, nails, saliva, and infant fecal samples.
• Administering questionnaires to study participants.
• Collecting quality MRI and OPM-MEG data in infants and toddlers.
• Working cooperatively a variety of co-workers within the MIND Lab's group.
• Working shifts at night and on weekends.
• Interacting respectfully with families who participate in a range of ongoing research studies examining infant brain and behavioral development.
• Participating in research team meetings to report on research progress, improve data collection processes, assist with problem solving, and address protocol issues that arise.
• Maintaining and cleaning the laboratory space and supplies.
• Other duties as assigned such as administering assessments and interviews and other research data collection and record keeping.

Required Qualifications

• Previous research experience, preferably with infants and children.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and acknowledgement of safety protocols.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Open to working weekends and nights as necessary to meet business needs.
• Demonstrated communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and exceptional time-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or training in biology, health sciences, biochemistry, exercise physiology, or another related field.
• Experience with basic laboratory protocols, especially proper collection, handling, or processing of biospecimens.
• Previous work with rural communities and/or people in recovery from substance use disorder.
• Experience working in research or hospital environment.

Pay Band 3

Overtime Status Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type Restricted

Salary Information Commensurate with experience

Hours per week 40

Review Date 3/16/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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.

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