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Research Assistant
Job no: 535375
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Fralin Biomedical Res. Institute
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific
Job Description
The Halassa Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant. Led by Dr. Michael Halassa, the lab uses controlled behavioral tasks alongside physiological, genetic, and optical techniques to investigate the brain circuits that support cognitive function. They focus on thalamocortical networks and how they contribute to attention, executive control, and decision-making. The goal of our lab is to develop a computational framework for understanding the cognitive thalamus.
The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and be comfortable joining a dynamic research lab. Prior laboratory experience is helpful but not required. The primary responsibility involves programming of new behavioral task and the development of analysis pipelines. Programming skills, accurate record-keeping, and experience with data collection are required, as well as the ability to manage electronic and paper data. In addition, the position involves working with mice and tree shrews, so a fundamental interest in animal models and behavior is essential. Techniques in the lab include in vivo electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, optogenetics, and computational approaches. The candidate will perform basic analyses, and assist with figure preparation for publications and presentations. Familiarity with the lab's core techniques is a plus. The candidate should be collaborative, detail-oriented, and adaptable to different research tasks. Opportunities exist to contribute to research publications and attend national scientific conferences when appropriate.
Required Qualifications
• Demonstrated ability to organize and analyze experimental data
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and team skills
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated computer skills and programming 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 written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Coursework or training in neuroscience biology, psychology, or a related field
• Experience working in a professional research setting
• Experience in programming with MATLAB, Arduino, Python, LabView
• Experience contributing to publications or scientific presentations
Pay Band
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with Experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
5/22/26
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 Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: May 18, 2026
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