Research Specialist
Blacksburg, VA · On-site
... yeast genetics, microbial strain engineering, or synthetic biology. Experience training or ... Experience with data analysis, automation platforms, or bioinformatics tools. Pay Band 4 Overtime ...
New
Research Specialist
Blacksburg, VA · On-site
... yeast genetics, microbial strain engineering, or synthetic biology. Experience training or ... Experience with data analysis, automation platforms, or bioinformatics tools. Pay Band 4 Overtime ...
New
Research Specialist
Blacksburg, VA · On-site
... microbial strain engineering, or synthetic biology. • Experience training or mentoring ... or bioinformatics tools. Pay Band 4 Overtime Status Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime Appointment ...
New
Research Specialist
Blacksburg, VA · On-site
... microbial strain engineering, or synthetic biology. • Experience training or mentoring ... or bioinformatics tools. Pay Band 4 Overtime Status Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime Appointment ...
New
Microbial Bioinformatics information
What are some common challenges faced by professionals in microbial bioinformatics, and how can they be addressed?
Professionals in microbial bioinformatics often encounter challenges such as handling large, complex datasets, ensuring data quality, and keeping up with rapidly evolving bioinformatics tools and technologies. Collaborating closely with wet-lab scientists and other bioinformaticians is crucial to accurately interpret results and tailor analyses to specific research questions. Staying up to date through continued education and active participation in bioinformatics communities can help address these challenges and support career growth in this dynamic field.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microbial Bioinformatician, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Microbial Bioinformatician, you need a solid background in microbiology, genomics, and computational biology, typically supported by an advanced degree in bioinformatics, microbiology, or a related field. Proficiency with programming languages (such as Python, R), bioinformatics tools (like QIIME, BLAST, or MEGA), and familiarity with high-throughput sequencing data analysis are essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret complex data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate data analysis, meaningful biological insights, and successful project outcomes in microbial research.
What is the difference between Microbial Bioinformatics vs Microbial Genomics?
| Aspect | Microbial Bioinformatics | Microbial Genomics |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's or Master's in Bioinformatics, Biology, or related fields; proficiency in programming | Bachelor's or Master's in Genomics, Molecular Biology, or related fields; laboratory experience |
| Work Environment | Data analysis, computational labs, research institutions | Laboratories, research institutions, sequencing centers |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Biotech, academia, healthcare, research institutes | Genomics companies, biotech, academic research |
Microbial Bioinformatics focuses on analyzing microbial genetic data using computational tools, while Microbial Genomics involves sequencing and studying microbial genomes in laboratory settings. Both roles often overlap but differ mainly in their emphasis on data analysis versus laboratory work.
What is microbial bioinformatics?
Microbial bioinformatics is a scientific field that combines biology, computer science, and statistics to analyze and interpret the genetic information of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Specialists in microbial bioinformatics use computational tools to study microbial genomes, understand microbial diversity, and track the spread of pathogens. This field plays a vital role in medical research, public health, biotechnology, and environmental studies by enabling researchers to make sense of large-scale microbial data. It helps in identifying new species, understanding antibiotic resistance, and developing new diagnostics and treatments.
What are popular job titles related to Microbial Bioinformatics jobs in Virginia? For Microbial Bioinformatics jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Microbial Bioinformatics jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Microbial Bioinformatics jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Microbial Bioinformatics jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Microbial Bioinformatics job openings:
Virginia Tech rating
7.8
Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
204th of 560 rated colleges and universities
Job description
Research Specialist
Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536976
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: Biological Systems Engineering
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science
Job Description
The Research Assistant will support research activities within the Wright Laboratory, with primary responsibilities focused on molecular biology, synthetic biology, and biotechnology research projects. The position will contribute to the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of research studies while also assisting with laboratory operations, undergraduate training, and project coordination. Initial responsibilities will include continued development and characterization of engineered yeast strains and genetic libraries, with opportunities to contribute to a broad range of ongoing research initiatives in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, plant biotechnology, and related fields.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Biological Systems Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a closely related field; or equivalent years of training and experience.
Experience with molecular biology, microbiology, and/or synthetic biology techniques.
Strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Biological Systems Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a closely related field
Experience with yeast genetics, microbial strain engineering, or synthetic biology.
Experience training or mentoring undergraduate researchers.
Experience with laboratory management, inventory control, or research project coordination.
Experience with data analysis, automation platforms, or bioinformatics tools.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
45,000 - 55,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
07/30/2026
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 Dr. Clay Wright at wrightrc@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: July 22, 2026
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech
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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.
Industry
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Blacksburg, VA, US
Year founded
1872