Research Assistant

This research assistant position focuses on “municipal food waste characterization and valorization”. The selected individual will work with Dr. Zhiwu Wang and a team of researchers at Virginia Tech. The individual is responsible for performing tasks for currently funded projects, daily operations of pilot laboratory, and assist with project report preparation.

• Bachelors degree; or, equivalent years of training and experience
• Must have a legal driver’s license and have the ability to drive a pickup truck with a trailer.
• Must have the ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Must have the ability to handle multiple projects, tasks, and testing simultaneously
• Must be able to work well under pressure and within tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal communication skills are necessary
• Travel requirements – some travel for field sampling or training is required
• Capable of lifting, standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, grasping, pushing/pulling, repetitive use of hands

• An MS degree is preferred.
• Experience in food composition analysis
• Experience in operating gas chromatography
• Experience in lab management
• Strong Project Management skill (goal oriented/independently problem solving/time management/quick response capacity)

3

Restricted

40,000 to 45,000

02/23/2025

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.

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.