Research Specialist Jobs in Virginia

INTRODUCTION

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences seeks to hire a full-time Laboratory and Research Specialist with expertise in Agro-environmental Sensors and Electronics. This position serves as a primary research support specialist for instrumentation and data management in agricultural and environmental systems. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, designing, deploying and maintaining instruments and networks devoted to environmental sensing (e.g., soil moisture, stream flow/chemistry, greenhouse gas emissions, sap flux, GPS-and/or RFID-based tracking); implementing cutting-edge environmental sensors and methods; assisting with data processing and analysis; implementing database management practices; recognizing and prioritizing research needs; working cooperatively with other team members; and assisting others with proper means and methods for accurately and safely meeting research tasks and objectives.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's in science or engineering or related study or equivalent training, experience
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. and perform strenuous work under adverse environmental conditions
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage detailed and complex tasks with good results
• Experience with environmental sensors and equipment
• Proven excellence in outreach, verbal and written skills
• Virginia Driver's License required with clear driving record

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Data management tools such as R, Python, MySQL and/or MatLab
• Electronics circuits and printed circuit board (PCB) design and development
• Micro-controller and/or mini-computer experience (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
• Computer programming experience

PAY BAND

4

OVERTIME STATUS

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

APPOINTMENT TYPE

Regular

SALARY INFORMATION

52,000-54,000

HOURS PER WEEK

40

REVIEW DATE

06/24/2026

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.

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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. Ryan Stewart at sryan3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.