Laboratory Specialist

Job Description

• Perform quantitative analysis of nutrients in food samples (e.g., retinol, starches, ash, moisture, and other nutrients) in a variety of food samples.
• Manage data and QA/QC files, prepare assay reports, and perform method development as needed.
• Prepare and homogenize food samples for analysis.
• Assist with research projects on food composition and analysis.
• Revise and/or prepare Standard Operating Procedures.
• Manage inventory, maintenance, safe storage, and/or disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste; serve as the lab’s EHS liaison.
• Assist with day‑to‑day general laboratory duties, including sample shipping and receipt, large‑scale sample preparation, inventory management, temperature monitoring of storage areas, general laboratory clean‑up, and checks of safety equipment.

Please submit resume, cover letter and list of references with application.

• B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science and Technology, or related field with equivalent training and experience; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 1 year hands‑on experience with extraction and quantitative HPLC analysis of food components, including analytical QC.
• Experience with preparation of food samples for chemical analysis of nutrients in a research setting.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and oral/written English communication skills; detail oriented; ability to follow SOPs and perform method development and troubleshooting.
• Competence in general laboratory skills (quantitative pipetting, weighing, etc.) and laboratory equipment use and safety; experience with laboratory record keeping.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of quantitative chemical analysis and ability to demonstrate accuracy and precision achieved in quantitative analysis of biological matrices.
• Hands‑on experience with automated liquid chromatography instrumentation and Chemstation software.
• Competence with basic computer software, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must be able to work with and handle all types of food, including dairy, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame.

• Experience with sample handling and management for the USDA Food Data Central database.
• Experience with Virginia Tech EHSS Chemical Hygiene Plan hazardous waste management and laboratory safety protocols.
• Familiarity with laboratory inventory management systems.
• Experience with analysis of ascorbic acid, retinol, starch by enzymatic‑gravimetric methodology, moisture, and ash in food samples.

3

Non-Exempt:
Eligible for overtime

Restricted

$38,000 - $40,000

40

03/17/2026

Please submit a resume, cover letter and list of references when applying to this position.

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

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.

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