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Virologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Virologist information

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How much do virologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for virologist in the United States is $93,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virologist?

To thrive as a Virologist, you need a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, usually supported by an advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques like PCR, cell culture, electron microscopy, and bioinformatics software is essential, along with safety certifications for handling infectious agents. Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and effective communication skills help virologists interpret complex data and collaborate on research teams. These skills ensure accurate research outcomes, safe laboratory practices, and successful contributions to scientific understanding and public health.

What is the difference between Virologist vs Microbiologist?

AspectVirologistMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsTypically a Ph.D. in virology, microbiology, or related fieldUsually a bachelor's or master's degree in microbiology or related field; advanced roles may require a Ph.D.
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, hospitals, government agencies focusing on virusesLabs, healthcare, environmental agencies working with various microorganisms
Industry UsagePrimarily in healthcare, research, and public health sectorsHealthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, food safety

Virologists specialize in studying viruses, their structure, and behavior, often focusing on viral diseases. Microbiologists have a broader scope, studying all microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in focus and application areas.

What are some common challenges virologists face when working in a laboratory setting?

Virologists often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict biosafety protocols to prevent contamination and ensure personal safety, especially when handling highly infectious agents. They also need to adapt quickly to evolving research methods and technologies, which may require ongoing training. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including epidemiologists and clinicians, can present communication and coordination hurdles, but is essential for comprehensive research. Additionally, securing research funding and publishing findings in reputable journals are ongoing pressures that virologists navigate as part of their career.

What does a virologist do?

A virologist is a scientist who studies viruses and virus-like agents, including their structure, function, and ways they infect and interact with host organisms. Their work often involves identifying, classifying, and understanding how viruses spread, as well as developing ways to prevent or treat viral infections. Virologists may work in research, clinical diagnostics, public health, or pharmaceutical development, contributing to the control and prevention of viral diseases.
More about Virologist jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Virologist jobs? The top employers for Virologist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Virologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $93,970 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Assistant/Associate Professor in Molecular Virology

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor in Molecular Virology
Job no: 531332
Work type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Veterinary Medicine
Department: Biomedical Science
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Veterinary Medicine
Job Description
The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology within the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor faculty. The position is for a molecular virologist that studies zoonotic viruses. Successful candidates will have an advanced degree (Ph.D., DVM, and/or MD), a strong publication record, postdoctoral experience, and will be expected to establish (Assistant Professor) or maintain (Associate Professor) a strong extramurally-funded research program focusing on investigating zoonotic viral infections. Areas of interest include but are not limited to molecular mechanisms of host jumping and cross-species infection of zoonotic viruses, host-virus interactions, viral and host factors contributing to species tropism and spread, virus evolution and host adaptation, antiviral and vaccine developments, and the relationship at the animal and virus interface. We are particularly interested in candidates who will complement and expand the existing expertise in the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens (CeZAP). The candidate is expected to participate in research and activities related to the recently established Destination 2.0 Area in pandemic prediction and prevention https://www.provost.vt.edu/destination_areas/destination-areas-2/pandemic-prediction-and-prevention.html that was recently awarded an $18 million NSF grant.
The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology has research strengths in infectious diseases (virology, bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology), immunology, neuroscience, and physiology. Candidates who are able to interface between these areas are of particular interest. Virginia Tech, a research-intensive Top 25 Public University, provides a highly collaborative environment with numerous programs aimed at developing new biomedical research areas in conjunction with other academic units including engineering, computer sciences, animal and environmental sciences, and agriculture. These efforts are buoyed by advanced core facilities that cover all aspects of biomedical research including genomics, proteomics, flow cytometry, and microscopy.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, a 2-3 page description of research interests, and the names and contact information of three references.
Required Qualifications
PhD, DVM, and/or MD
Strong Publication Record
Postdoctoral experience
Preferred Qualifications
Strong background in virology; a strong potential for securing extramural funding; desire to be involved in teaching and service to the University.
Pay Band
Faculty; Salary - commensurate with experience
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
Commensurate with Experience
Review Date
1/10/2025
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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 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 Amanda Atkins at amanda1@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: October 17, 2024
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

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