Careers at Virginia Tech

The Virginia Tech Coastal Collaborator seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and adaptable individual to serve as a Coastal Resilience Research Assistant. The Research Assistant will work closely with the VTCC Director and a dynamic team of professionals and faculty to support a broad range of interdisciplinary research, outreach, and administrative activities that advance the mission of coastal resilience and sustainability. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills to facilitate faculty engagement, manage logistics, and contribute to research efforts. The position is integral to maintaining collaborative relationships between the VTCC and the Virginia Tech main campus in Blacksburg.

The Research Assistant will represent the VTCC at various meetings and events, contribute to research publications, conduct resilience research and related tasks and goals, and support faculty in grant-related activities. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem solver with strong writing skills, the ability to work independently, and a keen interest in coastal resilience, research administration, and outreach. The position may be based out of Hampton VA or Blacksburg, Virginia depending on candidate preference.

• Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent years of training and experience.
• Experience in research assistance, project coordination, or administrative support.
• Strong background in outreach, partnership development, and faculty engagement.
• Experience with IRB protocols, human subjects research, and compliance documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital communication tools.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting reports and communication materials.

• Experience in grant support, research publications, and academic project coordination.
• Previous experience with resilience, sustainability, or community-based in the form of internships, externships, fieldwork, or projects.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.
• Computer science, computer engineering, or other technical coursework that may assist with any information technology tasks that arise.
• Knowledge of sea level rise and flooding issues related to Hampton Roads.

4

Restricted

$16.00 - $20.00 per hour; commensurate with experience

March 4, 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.