What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Technician (Agrawal Lab) position at Virginia Tech?
Job Description
The Agrawal Lab in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our team to assist with bench-level experiments and laboratory organization. The Agrawal lab studies neural circuits underlying motor control by utilizing the compact genetic model organism, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We use various cutting-edge techniques, including quantitative behavior with machine vision-based tracking, optogenetics, and in vivo neurophysiology. See the lab website (https://www.agrawalneurolab.com/) for more details. As a new lab, the position will feature lots of interaction and mentorship from Dr. Agrawal. Dr. Agrawal is committed to providing all members of the lab with scientific training and mentorship to help them pursue their career goals.
This position will assist the PI and other researchers in investigating the anatomy of sensorimotor circuits and how mechanosensory neurons contribute to controlling dynamic behaviors. They will use optogenetic manipulations of specific neurons in behaving flies while tracking 3D joint kinematics with the machine learning toolbox Anipose (anipose.org). Additional responsibilities include the maintenance of laboratory stocks, databases, and inventory of laboratory supplies as well as the general organization of the laboratory. There will also be opportunities to develop increasingly independent research projects following training and demonstration of proficiency with required research and organizational tasks.
No prior experience in Drosophila is necessary.
Anticipated start date: Spring, 2025.
Required Qualifications
3
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$15.33 - $20.00
Review Date
Open Until Filled
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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 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 Natalie Langowsky at nlangow3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
The Agrawal Lab in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our team to assist with bench-level experiments and laboratory organization. The Agrawal lab studies neural circuits underlying motor control by utilizing the compact genetic model organism, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We use various cutting-edge techniques, including quantitative behavior with machine vision-based tracking, optogenetics, and in vivo neurophysiology. See the lab website (https://www.agrawalneurolab.com/) for more details. As a new lab, the position will feature lots of interaction and mentorship from Dr. Agrawal. Dr. Agrawal is committed to providing all members of the lab with scientific training and mentorship to help them pursue their career goals.
This position will assist the PI and other researchers in investigating the anatomy of sensorimotor circuits and how mechanosensory neurons contribute to controlling dynamic behaviors. They will use optogenetic manipulations of specific neurons in behaving flies while tracking 3D joint kinematics with the machine learning toolbox Anipose (anipose.org). Additional responsibilities include the maintenance of laboratory stocks, databases, and inventory of laboratory supplies as well as the general organization of the laboratory. There will also be opportunities to develop increasingly independent research projects following training and demonstration of proficiency with required research and organizational tasks.
No prior experience in Drosophila is necessary.
Anticipated start date: Spring, 2025.
Required Qualifications
- B.A. or B.S. degree in a science-related area (e.g. biology, neuroscience, computer science, data science);
- 3 months to 1 year laboratory experience;
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for science;
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize responsibilities;
- Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently;
- Willingness to learn new skills.
- Experience with general lab procedures;
- Computer programming skills, such as Matlab, Python, or equivalent;
- Commit at least one year's duration to the position.
3
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$15.33 - $20.00
Review Date
Open Until Filled
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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 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 Natalie Langowsky at nlangow3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Salary : $15 - $20
