Lab Operations Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lab Manager
Job no: 536174
Work type: Staff
Senior management: College of Science
Department: Psychology
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific
Job Description
Applications are invited for a full-time lab manager position in the lab of Dr. Samantha Margherio, in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech. Our lab uses community-engaged methods to study the link between ADHD and risk-taking behaviors and develop school-based interventions for behavior and substance use concerns. We are also engaged in community outreach to promote neuroscience and mental health knowledge.
The individual who fills this position will be involved in all aspects of the research process and community-engaged work within this emergent lab. Duties include (but are not limited to):
-facilitating existing Community Advisory Boards, including coordinating meetings and maintaining communication with members
-coordinating community outreach events, such as school-based neuroscience education presentations and tabling at community events
-helping to maintain school-based partnerships via tasks such as attending research meetings with schools and facilitating relationships with educators within partnered schools
-maintaining and improving lab infrastructure, such as study protocols and lab resources (website, manuals, standard operating procedures, documentation), and coordinating daily lab operations
-recruiting, screening, scheduling, consenting, and running participants through study protocols involving adolescents with ADHD and risk behaviors
-supervising undergraduate research assistants
-assisting with IRB management, grant applications, data processing and analysis, and manuscript preparation.
Training for all aspects of the position will be provided. This includes training in school-based neuroscience education presentations. Flexible scheduling is required (e.g., some evenings and weekends will be required).
This is an excellent position for candidates interested in gaining research and/or community outreach experience prior to graduate school in psychology, neuroscience, or related fields.
Required application materials: Cover letter describing interest in and fit with the position, CV/Resume, and contact information for two references (no need to submit letters).
The position is expected to start in summer 2026. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and on a rolling basis and will end when the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Pre-submission inquiries with CV may be emailed to: Samantha Margherio (smargherio@vt.edu)
Required Qualifications
1) BA/BS in psychology, neuroscience, social work, education, human development, or related field.
2) One year of human subjects research experience.
3) Demonstrated computer skills, and proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent.
4) Demonstrated organizational, time-management, interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills; and attention to detail.
5) a significant interest in community-engaged work.
6) Strong public speaking abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
1) Experience in community-engaged work (research, clinical, or otherwise)
2) Demonstrated ability to work with data programs (e.g., REDCap; SPSS; R).
Pay Band
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
May 1, 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.
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 Michelle Wooddell at mwooddel@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: April 16, 2026
Applications close:
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