Research Associate Jobs in Virginia

INTRODUCTION

The Research Associate will contribute to research activities within plant breeding and virology programs, supporting various research initiatives. The position involves molecular genotyping, laboratory and field-based research, data collection and analysis, and assisting in reporting and publication of research findings. The individual will support day-to-day laboratory operations, collaborate with faculty, staff, and students, and assist in maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The successful candidate will work with Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students, assist in the concept and design of research projects, collect lab and field samples, develop analytical methods, conduct lab experiments and analyze data. In addition, the candidate will assist in supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, interact with collaborators, write scientific reports, and may present at professional meetings and publish peer-reviewed manuscripts.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in plant science, agronomy, genetics, molecular biology, or closely related field, or a Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience
• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, SNP genotyping, or SSR analysis
• Experience working in laboratory and/or field research environments
• Ability to collect, manage, and analyze research data
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with plant breeding programs, particularly soybean or small grains
• Experience with HPLC or biochemical analysis techniques
• Experience with laboratory management, including equipment maintenance and inventory tracking
• Experience supervising or training students or research assistants
• Experience contributing to grant proposals, reports, or scientific publications

OVERTIME STATUS

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

APPOINTMENT TYPE

Restricted

SALARY INFORMATION

57,783 - 61,293

HOURS PER WEEK

40

REVIEW DATE

06/21/2026

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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 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 Dr. David Haak at dhaak@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.