"Research Technician (Buczynski Lab)"

Research Technician (Buczynski Lab)

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Adjunct/Part-Time

Job Description

The Gregus/Buczynski Lab in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a part-time Research Technician to support ongoing, extramurally funded research focused on identifying new therapeutic strategies for chronic pain and alcohol use disorder.

This position is ideally suited for a recent undergraduate graduate seeking 1.5-2 years of immersive research experience prior to applying to a PhD program (or related advanced training). The technician will gain hands-on experience in behavioral neuroscience and pharmacology, contribute meaningfully to funded projects, and have clear opportunities to earn authorship on publications.

About the Gregus/Buczynski Lab:
Our laboratory integrates behavioral pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and translational neuroscience to address clinically relevant questions with real-world impact. We maintain active collaborations with investigators at Scripps Research, Mayo Clinic, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas, and across Virginia Tech, providing exposure to interdisciplinary, team-based science.

What you'll do:

• Assist with rodent behavioral experiments related to pain and substance use
• Support ongoing projects through data collection, organization, and preliminary analysis
• Maintain animal colony records and assist with routine laboratory operations
• Prepare solutions, maintain equipment, and ensure compliance with lab protocols
• Participate in lab meetings and research discussions
• Contribute to abstracts, posters, and manuscripts (with opportunities for co-authorship)

Mentorship & lab culture:
This position is designed as a structured research training experience, not just a technical role.

The technician will receive:

• Hands-on training in experimental design, behavioral assays, and data interpretation
• Regular mentorship focused on graduate-school preparation, including advice on selecting programs, building a competitive application, and scientific writing & communication
• Opportunities to attend lab meetings, departmental seminars, and conferences as appropriate

Our lab is team-oriented, supportive, collegial, and inclusive. We value curiosity, reliability, and a genuine interest in learning how high-quality science is done.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, pharmacology, or a related field (completed by start date)
• Interest in behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology, or translational research
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with animals (e.g., rat or mouse behavior)
• Coursework or research experience related to neuroscience, psychology, or physiology
• Interest in pursuing a research-focused graduate degree (PhD or equivalent)
• Previous laboratory, independent research, or honors thesis experience

Note: No prior experience in all techniques used in the lab is expected - motivation, reliability, and enthusiasm for research are valued more than an exact skill match.

Pay Band 3

Overtime Status Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type Restricted

Salary Information $18-$24 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Hours per week 20

Review Date Open Until Filled

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 Natalie Langowsky at nlangowsky@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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