Laboratory & Research Support Coordinator

Job Description

The Invasive Species Research and Extension (ISRE) Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking a highly organized, people-first Laboratory & Research Support Coordinator who enjoys working closely with students and helping build a positive, inclusive, and productive research community. This position plays a central role in the day-to-day operations of a growing and collaborative research program focused on the evolutionary ecology and management of invasive species.

The successful candidate will coordinate and mentor a team of undergraduate researchers by overseeing onboarding, scheduling, training, and task assignments while fostering a supportive and collaborative laboratory culture. In addition, the laboratory manager will support laboratory operations and administrative functions, including purchasing, inventory management, equipment maintenance, research logistics, permitting, vehicle reservations, and maintenance of laboratory organization and safety procedures. The position offers an exciting opportunity to help shape the growth of a new and expanding research program while supporting student development and facilitating high-quality research.

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in ecology, entomology, environmental science, biology, natural resources, or a closely related field; or, equivalent combination of education and experience;

* Ability to work outdoors under varying environmental conditions and travel to field sites (including overnight camping) as needed

* Experience developing and implementing training protocols, onboarding procedures, and lab and field safety practices related to invasive species and invasive species management;

* Experience with field and laboratory research methods, sample collection, quality assurance processes, and data management;

* Experience supporting research, monitoring, and management programs related to ecological systems

* Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously

* Experience working with spotted lantern fly (Lycorma delicatula) and Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria spp.)

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including significant science communication experience to diverse audiences

* Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one by the start date

Preferred Qualifications

* Knowledge of Virginia Tech's internal administrative systems, including Hokie Mart for purchasing and Banner Time Entry for wage employee timekeeping.

* Experience managing laboratory budgets, purchasing, or administrative logistics

* Experience coordinating large undergraduate research teams or implementing mentoring programs

* Familiarity with extension and stakeholder-engaged research programs

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt:
Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

39,

Hours per week

40 hours a week

Review Date

07/10/2026

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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