"Research Associate"

Research Associate

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Job Description

The laboratory of Dr. Sora Shin at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC (https://fbri.vtc.vt.edu/people-directory/primary-faculty/shin.html) is seeking a Research Associate. The successful candidate will be expected to have proficiency in animal (mouse) handling as well as molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA technology, and confocal microscopy. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated basic skills for stereotaxic surgery. The Research Associate is expected, with guidance and support from her or his supervisor, to contribute to the process of a project within his or her scientific discipline, as well as investigating, creating, and developing new methods for ongoing project advancement in the field of neuroscience studying. Please refer to the most recent publication in the Shin lab (Nature Communications, 2023): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42623-6

• Performing stereotaxic surgery in mice.
• Performing animal behavioral tests with optogenetics and chemogenetics.
• Managing a breeding colony of transgenic mice.
• Molecular cloning, cell culture, and virus (e.g. AAV, Lenti) generation.
• Running quantitative PCR assays for gene expression and genotyping.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential records used for conducting and monitoring multiple studies.
• Participating in research team meetings to report on research progress, improve data collection processes, assist with problem-solving, and address protocol issues that arise during the course of research studies.
• Conducting literature searches to gather background information for use by the Principal Investigator (PI) and other research team members in developing, evaluating, completing, and submitting grant proposals and publications.
• Collecting and entering data from research participants per approved protocols, standard operating procedures, and experiment instructions.

Required Qualifications

• MA/MS in biology, neuroscience, or related field, and/or the equivalent level of training and lab experience, including some supervisory or managerial experience.
• Demonstrated organizational skills or experience with data management.
• Desire to succeed in a fast-paced research environment with multiple duties.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, organizational skills, and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following research areas: neuroscience, biology.
• Experience with basic laboratory protocols including proper handling of mice behavior, molecular works, data collection, and data management.
• Experience with data analysis software (Python, Matlab, etc.)

Appointment Type: Restricted

Salary Information: Commensurate with experience

Review Date: 6/14/2024

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