Part Time Research Assistant
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Job no: 531045
Work type: Hourly Wage/Part-Time
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Fralin Biomedical Res. Institute
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific
The Maternal Influence on Neurodevelopment (MIND) Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, VA, directed by Dr. Brittany Howell, aims to understand the biological pathways through which mothers affect their infant’s brain and behavioral development. We accomplish this by collecting several concurrent measures, such as biological samples (i.e., human milk, placenta, infant stool, etc.), measures of infant structural and functional brain development using MRI collected during natural sleep, and behavioral measures including parent-report and direct assessment in the lab.
The MIND Lab is looking for a Part Time Research Assistant to work primarily on the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study (https://hbcdstudy.org/recruitment_sites/virginia-tech/). This Research Assistant position will contribute to various sample collection and processing activities for our HBCD programs. Laboratory and research support responsibilities range from entry- to mid-level. Experience with collection and processing of human or animal tissue is desirable.
The primary duties of the role will include, but may not be limited to, the following:
• Collecting and processing samples from research participants per approved protocols, standard operating procedures, and experiment instructions. Samples to be processed will include human placental tissue, cord blood, cord tissue, and human blood.
• Working in a BSL-2 level research space which will include the use of centrifuges, liquid nitrogen, and sharps. The candidate must demonstrate ability to adhere to safety protocols. Various safety training will be required upon hiring.
• Working cooperatively with medical staff at the hospital as well as a variety of co-workers within the MIND Lab’s group.
• Working on-call shifts at night and on weekends to collect and process samples within the expected time windows.
• Interacting respectfully with families who participate in a range of ongoing research studies examining infant brain and behavioral development.
• Communicating with participants to help coordinate pre-natal study visits and to get appropriate updates from our participants on their pregnancy.
• Participating in research team meetings to report on research progress, improve data collection processes, assist with problem solving, and address protocol issues that arise.
• Maintaining and cleaning the laboratory space and supplies.
• Other duties as assigned such as administering assessments and interviews and other research data collection and record keeping.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and acknowledgement of safety protocols.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated communication skills and the ability to work respectfully with people from outside organizations in potentially challenging situations.
• Must have a valid Driver’s license.
• Must have night and weekend availability.
• Must be able to reach Carilion Roanoke Memorial hospital within 30 minutes when on call.
• Coursework or training in biology or related field, or the equivalent experience.
• Experience with basic laboratory protocols, especially proper collection, handling, or processing of animal or human tissue specimens.
• Proficiency with Ripple, LORIS, or similar clinical study software.
• Experience with biosafety cabinet use, liquid nitrogen, and BSL-2 working spaces.
• Experience with maintaining IRB and single IRB protocols.
• Experience working in a hospital environment, ideally Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
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.
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 Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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