Research Assistant

Job Description

The Lessard Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated research assistant with an interest in laboratory studies related to exercise physiology, nutrition, metabolism, and diabetes. The lab is located within the Center for Exercise Medicine Research (CEMR) in the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) in Roanoke, Virginia. The successful candidate will work on NIH‑funded research projects to determine how exercise training, in combination with dietary and pharmacological therapies, influence health and metabolism.

More information on current studies can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). The primary responsibilities of this position will be to assist with various experimental protocols including tissue culture systems, mouse husbandry and physiology, and molecular biology assays. The research assistant will also spend significant time and effort on general lab maintenance and organization. The successful candidate should be detail-oriented and highly organized with excellent communication skills.

The research assistant should also be flexible regarding daily tasks and thrive in a fast‑paced research environment. Additional duties include data management and analysis, completing laboratory safety and compliance training, and maintaining a detailed laboratory notebook. Initial training will be provided for all aspects of the position. Benefits of this position include gaining high‑level research experience, authorship in scientific publications, and working in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

This is an excellent position for candidates interested in pursuing medical or graduate school in the future.

• Demonstrated research experience
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability and desire to succeed in a fast‑paced research environment with multiple concurrent duties
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to work with and handle live mice
• Willingness to work with tissues and blood samples from animals and humans

• Experience in a higher education or research setting
• Coursework or training in biology, health sciences, biochemistry, exercise physiology, or another related field
• Proficiency with data collection and analysis in an academic/research setting
• Experience with tissue culture and aseptic technique
• Experience with handling animal models to conduct research
• Knowledge and/or experience in exercise physiology, metabolism, or diabetes research

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

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 Brittany Shelton  during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.