Laboratory Technician (Macias Lab)

The Laboratory of Auditory Neurophysiology (Macias Lab) at Virginia Tech is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our team to assist with electrophysiology experiments and laboratory organization. The Lab of Auditory Neurophysiology takes a comparative approach to studying the neural circuits underlying hearing and vocalizations. Our animal model of choice is the echolocating bat. We use a variety of cutting-edge techniques, including bioacoustics, multi-electrode electrophysiology and modeling to understand the role of the auditory cortex in the processing of complex natural sounds. See the lab website (macias-lab.com) for more details.

As a new lab, the position will feature lots of interaction and mentorship from Dr. Macias. Dr. Macias is committed to providing all members of the lab with scientific training and mentorship to help them pursue their career goals.

The position will assist in the maintenance and keeping of our bat colony as well a leading role in experiments investigating circuits in the auditory cortex responsible for auditory object recognition and its relation to the production of vocalizations. 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.

• BA or BS degree in a science-related area (biology, neuroscience, computer science)
• 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 duration to the position

3

Restricted

5/10/2024

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.