Careers at Virginia Tech

The Hourigan Lab focuses on bringing precision medicine approaches to the care of patients suffering from the rare, highly fatal, blood cancer Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Based at the Virginia Tech Cancer Research Center in Washington DC, and a member of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, the laboratory performs translational research developing high sensitivity genomic tools for the characterization of measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with AML to predict and prevent relapse. This work includes multiple governmental and private sector partnerships and leadership of the national prospective clinical protocol (‘MEASURE”) to validate and implement AML MRD testing nationwide.

The lab is looking for a part-time Research Assistant to assist with current and ongoing research projects. This is a great opportunity to get a hands-on learning experience in a professional research laboratory. Typically, a Research Assistant supports a scientist in the performance of various recruitment, technical, and data collection activities for research or laboratory programs. These roles will serve as part of the research team working collaboratively and independently to collect and organize data for grant-funded research projects. Laboratory and research support responsibilities range from entry- to advanced-level.

The duties of the roles will include, though may not be limited to the following:

• Making significant contributions to the projects assigned and the achievement of the project’s research goals.
• Collecting and entering data by approved protocols – training provided.
• Research record keeping with an emphasis on confidentiality.
• Maintenance of office and laboratory supplies inventory.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential records
• Conducting literature searches to gather background information for use by the Principal Investigator (PI) and other research team members in developing and evaluating research protocols and grant applications.
• Participating in research team meetings to report on research progress, improve data collection processes, assist with problem solving, and address protocol issues that arise during the course of research studies.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and/or experience with data management.
• Desire to succeed in a fast-paced research environment with numerous duties.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, organizational skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Coursework or training in genetics, biology, life-sciences, or related field, and/or the equivalent level of training and experience.
• Demonstrated data collection and entry experience.
• Experience in one or more of the following research areas: genetics, biology, life-sciences, computational, or related fields
• Experience with basic laboratory protocols including proper handling of specimens, data collection, assessments, and data management.

3

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Restricted

Commensurate with Experience

32

7/11/2025

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.