Research Assistant

Job Description

The Research Assistant will work under the supervision of the Director and will be responsible for ensuring that research participants in imaging or behavioral experiments successfully complete research tasks. The responsibilities of the Research Assistant will include, but will not necessarily be limited to, interacting with both clinical and non-clinical research participant populations prior to experiments (for example, informing them about the proposed experiment and obtaining informed consent); placing the participants in the scanners (Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Optically Pumped Magnetometry etc.) and operating the scanner; interacting with the subjects after the experimental protocol (for example, paying them for their participation, and obtaining further behavioral or biological sample data); keeping careful records of the interaction with participant; interacting with clinical patients in a hospital setting (such as in an operating room or recovery suite during their stay);adhering to Research Center procedures including cleaning and personal protective equipment protocols, performing other tasks related to the successful completion of research protocols and the effective operation of the scanners and research center.

Required Qualifications

Previous research experience.
Demonstrated experience working in higher education and professional research settings.
Demonstrated experience with computer tools such as MS Word, Excel, Access and Outlook. Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to learn new technical and operational processes and adapt well to changes.
Demonstrated interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework or experience in engineering, psychology, biology, neuroscience or closely related field.
Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of organization, planning, records management and general administration.
Demonstrated communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to follow instructions.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

11/17/2025

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.