Entry Level Research Scientist Mechanical Engineering Jobs

Job Description

A full-time research scientist is sought for an NSF-funded, institutional transformation grant led by Dr Lisa M Lee in the Division of Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance at Virginia Tech. The interdisciplinary project group of scientists, engineers, and business professionals is studying ways to develop and maintain departmental research climates that support integration of ethics decision-making into daily research operations. Specifically, the project involves the identification and development of a research integrity community of practice across campus through engagement of influential faculty. The position's responsibilities will include:
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including scientists, engineers, business researchers, and liberal arts faculty, on data collection, analysis, and dissemination
Prepare, review, and edit research reports, conference papers, research summaries, and status/progress reports
Design, plan, and teach workshops related to infusing ethics into the research process across all research fields
Collaborate with faculty and research leadership to promote project goals
Analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, and contribute to the development of research publications
Present research findings at conferences and communicate results effectively to both scientific and non-scientific audiences
Contribute to the development and optimization of project protocols and timelines
Serve as a research ethics resource for research team members, faculty, and research leadership
Maintain accurate study records and ensure compliance with research protocols

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in science, engineering, liberal arts, or related discipline
Background in and understanding of effective community engagement strategies
Proficiency in project management
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team and lead research projects
Ability to prepare and present conference and publication materials

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with grant writing and reporting
Experience in teaching in a college or university setting
Understanding of research ethics, integrity, and responsible conduct of research

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$70,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40 hrs per week

Review Date

June 26, 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.

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.