Virginia Tech·Blacksburg, Virginia
The Research Assistant will be responsible for general laboratory operations, maintaining laboratory equipment, and providing experimental support for graduate student projects focused on antimicrobial peptide development. This includes managing laboratory organization, cleanliness, and ordering necessary supplies.
The Gilbertie Lab at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking a Research Assistant to complete general laboratory operations and aid in graduate students’ projects. Our lab focuses on the development of antimicrobial peptides from benchtop experiments to clinical research. This position will be in charge of maintaining the laboratory and instrumentation for these projects. In addition, this position will provide graduate student experimental support, be in charge of laboratory organization and cleanliness, and be in charge of ordering laboratory supplies.
● Must be flexible and enjoy fast-paced research environment ● Must be an effective communicator and understand English as a primary language ● Must have U.S. citizenship (cannot support or sponsor working visas) ● Must have experience working in a microbiology laboratory and with BSL-2 pathogens ● Must have experience with protein/peptide separation ● Must have experience in drug discovery ● BS in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field
● Experience with microfiltration, depth filtration, and ultrafiltration using tangential flow filtration equipment ● Experience with chromatography (both HPLC and FPLC) ● Experience with prepping samples for mass spectrometry and analyzing proteomics experiments ● Experience with lyophilization of peptides ● Correct lab notebook and record keeping ● Adaptability managing multiple projects at the same time ● Handling veterinary species such as dogs, cats, horses, cattle and pigs ● Experience with large animal infectious disease models (no rodent only experience) ● MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field
Pay Band: 3; Wage
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
starting at $18.00 an hour
Hours per week
Average 29, or as needed
Review Date: 3/15/2026
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
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 [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.inclusive.vt.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmichelleh%40vt.edu%7Ce4a9fd37a7d74803b26208ddcf953bad%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638894962046860349%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wQ1HOnFsi5ngKmzTL4JRIjYf706XwTNtW9kGsLsF4WM%3D&reserved=0] 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 [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvt.edu%2Facademics%2Fdepts-colleges.html&data=05%7C02%7Cmichelleh%40vt.edu%7Ce4a9fd37a7d74803b26208ddcf953bad%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638894962046881337%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jlfDj7LQa7G8KTln1Q92BQEF4NP3Gr42nHN8QQukmK8%3D&reserved=0], a school of medicine [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.vtc.vt.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmichelleh%40vt.edu%7Ce4a9fd37a7d74803b26208ddcf953bad%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638894962046890565%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=f%2BMFpImZSc1ZuEyirAGW%2FDDUXlc2c%2BPYwbZyPPyJ0cI%3D&reserved=0], a veterinary medicine [] college, Graduate School [], and Honors College [].
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernance.vt.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Clauras69%40vt.edu%7C1ad9c5a039ed4b4e916f08dcaa61f7c2%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638572584948742749%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vjSZbpDStMgs1gv8ke%2BJNiGEpUQWJjgKnzWAbbaT%2FP8%3D&reserved=0]. 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. Jessica Gilbertie at jmg1329@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Candidates must possess experience working in a microbiology laboratory, handling BSL-2 pathogens, and demonstrating proficiency in protein/peptide separation and drug discovery. A Bachelor's degree in a related scientific field is required, along with US citizenship, as visa sponsorship is not supported.
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 [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fext.vt.edu%2Foffices.html&data=05%7C02%7Cmichelleh%40vt.edu%7Ce4a9fd37a7d74803b26208ddcf953bad%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638894962046927168%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IlhGnUe%2FUYW0iK7cFI8tlSKtp46Sq4j8urZoe1HX1SQ%3D&reserved=0] and research institutes [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.research.vt.edu%2Finstitutes.html&data=05%7C02%7Cmichelleh%40vt.edu%7Ce4a9fd37a7d74803b26208ddcf953bad%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638894962046936080%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gIa9ThZ3mxMhSRFZX17n5UuAxcyu%2FunnXTT%2B5Od868c%3D&reserved=0].
A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Market context
Research assistant roles in Virginia often draw steady demand from healthcare, academic, and government-adjacent settings, especially when work involves regulated data or clinical support. These positions can be competitive because employers may require U.S. citizenship, an active Secret clearance, and a mix of education or equivalent experience, along with Microsoft Office skills and readiness to complete CITTI training. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, and verify your clearance status and training readiness before applying.
