The Department of Mining & Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech seeks a qualified, highly motivated individual to support laboratory-based mineral processing, characterization, and chemical separations for mining and minerals research. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, staff, graduate students, undergraduate students, and outside collaborators and is expected to play an active role in the research conducted in Dr. Aaron Noble’s group, which focuses on critical material recovery from unconventional sources. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate to gain hands-on laboratory and analytical experience in a rapidly growing research field with a nationally recognized department.
The Laboratory Research Assistant will be responsible for sample intake and organization, following established laboratory procedures and safety protocols for chemical separations and/or sample processing, and compiling and analyzing analytical data. Due to the broad range of research activities, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a high level of organization and an ability and desire to learn new methods and procedures. The successful candidate will assist with development of standard operating procedures for new testing protocols and train new users as needed. The Laboratory Research Assistant will also have the opportunity to co-author products that emerge from these efforts including sponsor reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

• Experience or coursework in geology, mining, environmental science, or a related field
• Ability to follow established safety procedures and use personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Basic computer skills for data entry and reporting (Excel or similar)
• History of strong attention to detail and ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Experience with sample preparation and/or processing equipment (e.g., jaw crushers, shatter boxes, sieve stacks, automatic fluxing equipment, etc.)
• Experience in general wet laboratory practices and safety procedures (specifically acid handling and safety)
• Experience with sample collection, labeling, and processing protocols

4

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Restricted

$17/hr - $30/hr

up to 40

November 30th, 2026

Final candidate will need to be approved by sponsoring agencies.

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.

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