Part-Time Research Assistant

Job Description

The Sahoo Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute studies the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving bone marrow failure, clonal hematopoiesis, and progression to MDS and AML. We integrate multi-omics profiling of patient primary samples with iPSC, organoid, and mouse models to define disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities.

Lab website:


About Our Lab:
We are a newly established, growing lab that values rigorous science, careful work, and mutual respect. We invest in training and mentorship. Every lab member is supported to learn new techniques, take ownership of their projects, and build toward their next career step. We treat each other as colleagues regardless of title or seniority. We share protocols and reagents freely, communicate openly, and hold each other to high standards for reproducibility, safety, and record keeping. We welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work.

Position Summary:
We seek a part-time research assistant to support our mouse work at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) in Washington, D.C. The role requires hands-on expertise in mouse colony management, PCR genotyping, strong organizational skills, careful record keeping, and comfort working in a fast-paced research environment.

Key Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Support mouse studies. Maintain mouse colonies, perform genotyping, manage timed breeding, carry out procedures (tail vein and intraperitoneal injections, routine blood collection), and collect samples per approved protocols. Training for specialized techniques such as tail vein and retroorbital injections can be provided. Prior experience is highly favorable.
• Participate in laboratory projects using basic molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, standard PCR genotyping, qPCR, gel electrophoresis) and mouse model characterization (bone marrow isolation and flow cytometry analysis). Prior experience with these specific techniques is not required, and training will be provided.
• Help with ordering, lab inventories, and data archiving while upholding the highest safety and compliance standards.
• Show initiative to learn and expand your skill set.

Required Qualifications
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in mouse colony maintenance and performing relevant procedures (tail vein and intraperitoneal injections, routine blood collection)
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Detail oriented with a demonstrated ability to follow instructions
• Ability to organize and analyze experimental data
• Collaborative and collegial with everyone in the lab regardless of designation
• Able to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with mouse hematopoiesis and flow cytometry

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $20/hr; Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

Up to 32 hours weekly

Review Date

7/29/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

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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