Research Associate, Research Assistant​/Associate, Research Scientist

Job Description

The Lessard Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated research associate to work on laboratory studies related to exercise physiology, nutrition, metabolism, and diabetes. The lab is located within the Center for Exercise Medicine Research (CEMR) in the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) in Roanoke, Virginia. The successful candidate will work on NIH-funded research projects to determine how exercise training, in combination with dietary and pharmacological therapies, influence health and metabolism.

More information on current studies can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The primary responsibilities of this position will be to manage and supervise various experimental protocols, including tissue culture systems, mouse husbandry and physiology, and molecular biology assays. The research associate will also spend significant time and effort on general lab maintenance and organization. Additional duties include data management and analysis, and training/supervising new research staff and students.

• Graduate degree in biology, health sciences, biochemistry, exercise physiology, or another related field
• Demonstrated research and lab management experience
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability and desire to succeed in a fast-paced research environment with multiple concurrent duties
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience working with aseptic technique and tissue culture
• Knowledge and training in biochemistry and molecular biology

• Experience supervising undergraduate and graduate research students
• Proficiency in various molecular biology techniques including Western blotting, PCR, and immunofluorescence
• Experience working with and handling live mice
• Experience with mouse metabolic testing including glucose tolerance testing, indirect calorimetry, body composition measurement, and exercise testing
• Knowledge and/or experience in exercise physiology, metabolism, or diabetes research

• Overtime Status:
  Exempt – Not eligible for overtime
• Appointment Type:
  Restricted
• Salary Information:
  Commensurate with experience
• Hours per week: 40+
• Review Date: 11/21/2025

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 Brittany Shelton  during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.