Laboratory and Research Specialist II

Job Description

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences seeks to hire a full-time Laboratory and Research Specialist with expertise in Agro‑environmental Sensors and Electronics. This position serves as a primary research support specialist for instrumentation and data management in agricultural and environmental systems.

• Designing, deploying and maintaining instruments and networks devoted to environmental sensing (e.g., soil moisture, stream flow/chemistry, greenhouse gas emissions, sap flux, GPS and/or RFID‑based tracking);
• Implementing cutting‑edge environmental sensors and methods;
• Assisting with data processing and analysis;
• Implementing database management practices;
• Recognizing and prioritizing research needs;
• Working cooperatively with other team members;
• Assisting others with proper means and methods for accurately and safely meeting research tasks and objectives.

• Bachelor's in science or engineering or related study or equivalent training, experience;
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. and perform strenuous work under adverse environmental conditions;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others;
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage detailed and complex tasks with good results;
• Experience with environmental sensors and equipment;
• Proven excellence in outreach, verbal and written skills;
• Virginia Driver's License required with clear driving record.

• Data management tools such as R, Python, MySQL and/or MATLAB;
• Electronics circuits and printed circuit board (PCB) design and development;
• Micro‑controller and/or mini‑computer experience (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi);
• Computer programming experience.

4

Non‑Exempt:
Eligible for overtime

Regular

$52,

40

06/24/2026

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

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. Ryan Stewart at sryan3 during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.