Research Technician

A full-time Research Technician is being sought for the lab of Dr. Zhi Sheng at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC (http://research.vtc.vt.edu) in Roanoke, Virginia. We are looking for a Research Technician who has interest and experience in a cancer biology lab. The Sheng lab employs several different model systems such as cell culture, 3D organoids, and mouse models to study cancer, including but not limited to glioblastoma and melanoma. Under supervisor's direction and oversight, the Research Technician will learn and perform computational analyses, routine tissue culture, cell-based assays such as cell viability/toxicity assays, molecular biology assays such as plasmid transfection, viral transduction, or western blotting, imaging studies such as confocal fluorescence or live cell microscopy, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, mouse experiments such as tumor cell injection and administration of cancer drugs, and histological and pathological analysis of mouse tissues. Additional duties include contribution to data analysis, preparation and maintenance of cell culture reagents and other reagents for molecular and cell biology, and routine lab management. The successful candidate will contribute to interesting projects and have the opportunity to publish or co-publish their work. This is an excellent position for candidates interested in pursuing medical or graduate school in the future. Preference will be given to candidates who are willing to make a two-year commitment and have experience in working with small animals.

Required application materials: Cover Letter, CV/Resume, and a list of three references.

• Demonstrated research experience
• Previous research experience with tissue culture and small animals
• Demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and comfortable with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment exercising judgment and high degree of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, organizational skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent.

• Coursework or training in biology, chemistry, or related field.
• Proficiency with data analysis
• Experience in one or more of the following research areas: cancer, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology.
• Past research experience with cell-based assays, molecular biology experiments, and/or mice experiments is preferred.

3

Restricted

Commensurate

4/30/2024

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.