Research Assistant Professor

Job Description

This position is responsible for providing technical and leadership support for the Viral Genetics and Host Interactions (VG-HI) lab in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. The individual will report directly to Dr. James Weger-Lucarelli. This position involves cutting-edge research studying cancer biology and developing strategies to treat cancer. Duties will include molecular and immunological assays, 2D and 3D cell culture, including primary cells, and procedures with mice. Basic and more complex computational tasks will be required for data analysis and interpretation. Responsibilities also include data analysis, reporting, manuscript and grant preparation, project management and leadership/training tasks, compliance with all safety regulations, and assistance with SOP development. The individual is expected to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams from academia, government, and industry, and serve as PI/Co-PI on projects.

Required Qualifications
• Successful completion of a PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, immunology, or related fields
• Substantial experience independently organizing and conducting complex procedures and experiments
• Demonstrated experience in leading research projects to completion as evidenced by multiple first-author publications
• Clear communication skills as evidenced by presentation of data at national conferences, seminar presentations, past teaching experience, and/or manuscript publication
• Experience working with microorganisms and biosafety
• Possess molecular and protein biology skills
• Should be enthusiastic and dedicated, have the ability and interest in learning new techniques; must be willing to follow verbal and written instructions; be observant, attentive to detail, organized, efficient, and work well with others

Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated program management and supervisory experience of junior lab staff
• Success in proposal development and managing extramural funded programs

Pay Band

Faculty; Salary

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Salary; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

October 1, 2025

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.

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 Dr. James Weger at View email address on click.appcast.io during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer