Research Assistant

Job Description The Halassa Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute atVirginia Tech Carilion is seeking a highly motivated ResearchAssistant. Led by Dr. Michael Halassa, the lab uses controlledbehavioral tasks alongside physiological, genetic, and opticaltechniques to investigate the brain circuits that support cognitivefunction. They focus on thalamocortical networks and how theycontribute to attention, executive control, and decision-making. The goal of our lab is to develop a computational framework forunderstanding the cognitive thalamus. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and becomfortable joining a dynamic research lab. Prior laboratoryexperience is helpful but not required. The primary responsibilityinvolves programming of new behavioral task and the development ofanalysis pipelines. Programming skills, accurate record-keeping,and experience with data collection are required, as well as theability to manage electronic and paper data. In addition, theposition involves working with mice and tree shrews, so afundamental interest in animal models and behavior is essential. Techniques in the lab include in vivo electrophysiology,neuroanatomy, optogenetics, and computational approaches. Thecandidate will perform basic analyses, and assist with figurepreparation for publications and presentations. Familiarity withthe lab’s core techniques is a plus. The candidate should becollaborative, detail-oriented, and adaptable to different researchtasks. Opportunities exist to contribute to research publicationsand attend national scientific conferences when appropriate. Required Qualifications Demonstrated ability to organize and analyze experimentaldata Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and teamskills Capable of working independently and as part of a team Demonstrated computer skills and programming experience Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail Demonstrated ability and desire to succeed in a fast-pacedresearch environment with multiple concurrent duties Excellent written and oral communication skills Preferred Qualifications Coursework or training in neuroscience biology, psychology, or arelated field Experience working in a professional research setting Experience in programming with MATLAB, Arduino, Python,LabView Experience contributing to publications or scientificpresentations Pay Band 3 Overtime Status Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime Appointment Type Restricted Salary Information Commensurate with Experience Hours per week 40 Review Date 5/22/26 Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminalconviction check. Equal Opportunity Statement Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, orapplicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (includingpregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, geneticinformation, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation,race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, orotherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquireabout, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensationof other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protectedby law. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.