Research Associate
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Job no: 534355
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Fralin Biomedical Res. Institute
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific
The Gourdie Lab is a cardiovascular research group focused on translating basic discoveries in Connexin‑43 biology into commercial and therapeutic applications. We collaborate across disciplines to study intercalated disc structure–function, EV‑mediated delivery, and peptide technologies with the aim of improving injury repair. Team members are expected to uphold high standards of scientific rigor, safety, and collegiality while contributing to publications and future grant applications.
The laboratory of Dr. Robert Gourdie at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC is recruiting a Research Associate to support and advance cardiovascular biology projects centered on Connexin‑43 (Cx43) and derivative technologies. Research in the Gourdie Lab spans cell–cell communication at the intercalated disc, injury repair/regeneration, extracellular vesicle (EV) engineering and loading, and development/testing of peptide‑based therapeutics.
The Research Associate will make independent contributions to mentored projects, including the design and execution of experiments, rigorous analysis and presentation of results, and the validation/standardization of lab techniques. The role includes training and mentoring of junior team members and detailed research record keeping.
• Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline; or a bachelor's degree with equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated wet‑lab experience in BSL‑1/BSL‑2 environments.
• Cell culture proficiency with strong aseptic technique and troubleshooting.
• Evidence of independent experimental design, data analysis, and clear presentation of results.
• Strong documentation skills (protocols/SOPs, ELNs, inventory) and organizational/time‑management abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, multi‑project lab; and strong communication skills.
• Proficiency with molecular and protein assays (e.g., cloning, qPCR/RT‑qPCR, immunocytochemistry, immunoblotting) and a track record of protocol validation/standardization.
• Experience contributing to manuscripts or scientific presentations; familiarity with grant‑relevant data packaging.
• Familiarity with relevant biosafety and compliance processes (IBC/IACUC/EHS/DEA); animal handling experience is a plus but not required.
• Competency with scientific software for data analysis and figure preparation (e.g., Excel/GraphPad/Prism, ImageJ/FIJI, Adobe/PowerPoint).
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Commensurate with Experience
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 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 Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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