Research Assistant

The Maternal Influence on Neurodevelopment (MIND Lab) at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, VA, directed by Dr. Brittany Howell, aims to understand the biological pathways (e.g. Specific breast milk components, the infant gut microbiome, etc.) through which mothers affect their infant’s brain development. We accomplish this by collecting several concurrent measures, including milk samples, infant fecal samples, measures of infant structural and functional brain development using MRI collect during natural sleep, as well as other functional neuroimaging methods in awake behaving infants, and behavioral measures including parent-report and direct assessment in the Lab.

The MIND Lab is seeking a Research Assistant that will be part of the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study at Virginia Tech. The Research Assistant will be responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of all research activities in the lab for this project and assisting the Project Coordinator and Lead RA in overseeing the execution of each study component including data collection (MRI, EEG, Bio samples, biosensors, Questionnaires, and Behavioral Observations), processing, quality control, training, and operations. The successful candidate should be detail oriented, keeping careful records of interactions with participants. They should also be flexible and expect to work frequent nights and weekends. This is an in-person role to support hands-on research activities and team collaboration. Previous work with rural communities and/or people in recovery from substance use disorder preferred.

● Demonstrated research experience, preferably with infants and children.
● Ability to work at night and on weekends required. Study visits are scheduled based on family availability and often occur outside of standard business hours.
● Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
● Must be able to work independently and manage time effectively.
● Must be detail oriented.
● Experience with and ability to learn computer software.
● Must have a demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals while exercising judgement and high degree of confidentiality.
● Ability to manage multiple tasks and exceptional time-management skills.
● Ability to resolve issues in a timely manner and ensure smooth data collection appointments.

● Coursework or training in Neuroscience, Psychology, Human Development or a related field.
● Previous work with rural communities and/or people in recovery from substance use disorder.
● Previous work in higher education or a professional laboratory setting.

3

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Restricted

Commensurate

40

4/30/2025

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. 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.

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