Laboratory Specialist

Job Description

The Auguste laboratory is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our infectious disease group. Responsibilities for this position include facilitating the research being conducted by faculty, staff, and students within the laboratory. Maintaining chemical, virus, and plasmid inventories kept by the PI. Maintain mouse colonies and perform animal research with mouse models in students, visiting faculty, and staff in laboratory procedures.

Ensuring proper maintenance and running of day-to-day laboratory activities. Be responsible for ordering and maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies. Ensure proper compliance and documentation for the PI's BSL2 laboratory. Assist with the writing of standard operating procedures, reports, journal articles, and research proposals. A successful candidate will have the opportunity to co-author publications and contribute to the development of experimental designs.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences; or equivalent years of training and experience;
Experience working in an infectious disease lab;
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team;
Demonstrated organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail;

Experience with breeding and maintaining mouse colonies;
Working with mouse models at ABSL2;
Experience maintaining cell cultures;

Experience with virological assays, including plaque assays and PRNTs.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in biological sciences;
Experience working with emerging viruses, with particular emphasis on arboviruses;
Maintenance and curation of biological/virological collections;
Previous experience using an autoclave for sterilization and waste disposal;
Knowledge of sterile techniques;
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to take initiative in a dynamic, fast-paced environment;
Proficiency with Microsoft Office or equivalent

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt:
Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$38,000 - $44,000

Hours per week

40 hours a week

Review Date

02/04/2026

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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research 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.

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 Dr. Jonathan Auguste at jauguste during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer