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National Lab Postdoc Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Research / Scientific The Meng Lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to work in a molecular ... ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Research / Scientific The Sahoo Lab is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Associate to study the ... Children's National Hospital core facilities and seminars. The candidate will also have the ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Research / Scientific The Ye Lab is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join our ... ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

The lab integrates state-of-the-art neural recording technologies, complex cognitive tasks, and ... Write high-quality manuscripts and present findings at national and international conferences.

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

The Morris lab has both femto- and nano-second transient absorption spectroscopy and nanosecond ... Postdoc. - Demonstrated experience in pulsed laser spectroscopy - Strong work habits and the ...

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National Lab Postdoc information

What is a National Lab postdoc?

A National Lab Postdoc is a researcher who has recently completed their Ph.D. and is undertaking postdoctoral research at a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory or similar federally funded research facility. These positions are typically temporary and provide early-career scientists with opportunities to deepen their expertise, work on cutting-edge projects, and collaborate with leading experts in the field. National Lab Postdocs often work on interdisciplinary teams and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, making these roles highly sought after for those pursuing careers in research or academia.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Lab postdoc?

To thrive as a National Lab Postdoc, you need a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering field, a strong research background, and expertise in experimental or computational methods. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and scientific publishing platforms is typically required. Critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication are essential soft skills for advancing research projects and sharing results. These skills and qualifications are vital for driving innovation, meeting research goals, and contributing to high-impact scientific discoveries in a collaborative environment.

What are some common challenges faced by National Lab postdocs, and how can they be addressed?

National Lab Postdocs often encounter challenges such as balancing independent research with collaborative projects, adapting to the unique mission-driven environment of national laboratories, and managing time between research, publishing, and networking. To address these, it's helpful to set clear project goals with mentors, actively seek interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, and participate in lab-wide seminars or workshops. Many labs also offer mentorship programs and professional development resources to support postdocs in overcoming these challenges and advancing their careers.

What is the difference between National Lab Postdoc vs Research Scientist?

AspectNational Lab PostdocResearch Scientist
Required credentialsPhD in relevant fieldPhD or equivalent experience
Work environmentResearch-focused, academic setting within national labsResearch and development in industry or academia
Employer and industry usagePrimarily government-funded national labsPrivate companies, universities, or government agencies
Common search intentPostdoctoral research opportunities at national labsResearch roles in industry or academia

National Lab Postdocs are typically early-career researchers with a PhD working in government-funded labs, focusing on fundamental research. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but work in industry or academia, with more independence and potential for career advancement. Both roles involve research but differ mainly in employer and work environment.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for National Lab Postdoc jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most National Lab Postdoc job openings:

National Lab Postdoc jobs near you

Postdoctoral Associate (Buczynski Lab)

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT)
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT)external

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Virginia Tech rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description

The Gregus/Buczynski Lab is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to join an extramurally funded, highly collaborative research program focused on developing new, mechanistically driven treatments for chronic pain and alcohol use disorder – two major unmet clinical needs.

Our lab integrates behavioral pharmacology, molecular pharmacology, cell‑based assays, and mass spectrometry to address clinically relevant questions with clear translational potential. Postdoctoral fellows receive hands‑on training across experimental design, data analysis, and advanced methodologies while building a professional profile positioned for success in academia, biotech, or pharmaceutical science.

Why work in the Gregus/Buczynski Lab?
  • Strong funding & project ownership: Work on funded projects with room to develop independent ideas and lead publications.
  • Career‑focused mentorship: Structured mentorship tailored to your goals (academic faculty, industry scientist, or hybrid paths).
  • Translational science with real‑world impact: Research directly relevant to therapeutic development.
  • Outstanding collaborative network: Active collaborations with Scripps Research, Mayo Clinic, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas, industry partners, and multiple Virginia Tech departments.
What you’ll do
  • Design, execute, and analyze in vivo and in vitro experiments.
  • Interpret data and present findings in lab meetings, conferences, and publications.
  • Collaborate at the interface of academia and industry.
  • Contribute to grant proposals and co‑author manuscripts.
  • Mentor junior trainees as desired, building leadership experience.
Mentorship & lab culture

Our lab is team‑oriented, supportive, collegial, and inclusive. We believe strong science comes from people who feel respected, supported, and excited about their work. Regular availability for individual meetings, collaborative troubleshooting, and transparent expectations are core to our mentoring style. Training plans are customized to your career goals and evolve as you grow.

Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in neuroscience, pharmacology, or a closely related discipline.
  • Experience with mammalian cell culture and/or rodent behavioral models.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage experiments independently.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Research background in pain, addiction, or related neuropsychiatric disorders.
  • Experience with mass spectrometry or bioanalytical techniques.
  • Experience with mouse surgical procedures or in vivo pharmacology.
  • Prior experience contributing to manuscripts, abstracts, or conference presentations.
  • Experience in all techniques used in the lab is not required as we value strong scientific thinking, work ethic, and enthusiasm for learning as much as prior technical expertise.

Note: Candidates with complementary training backgrounds are encouraged to apply if they bring strong motivation to learn new techniques.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime.

Appointment Type

Restricted.

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience.

Hours per week

40 hours – exempt position.

Review Date

3/31/2026.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

EEO Statement

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 Natalie Langowsky at nlangow3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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

Social media

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