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The Messenger 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 assessment and delivery of analgesic therapeutics in large animal models, from benchtop experiments to clinical research. Specifically, we work with pigs, dogs, cats, and occasionally other species. This position will be in charge of maintaining the laboratory and instrumentation for these projects, writing and maintaining laboratory SOPs and Animal Use Protocols, and participation in experiments as desired.
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 a diverse and sometimes 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 laboratory and/or with animals
● Must have experience with writing and following laboratory SOPs, AUPs, and maintaining
excellent records/notebooks.
● BS in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field

● Experience with chromatography (HPLC/UPLC/MS, etc.)
● Experience in drug discovery
● Experience with prepping samples for mass spectrometry and analyzing proteomics experiments
● Adaptability managing multiple projects at the same time
● Handling veterinary species such as dogs, cats, horses, cattle and pigs
● Experience with animal models of pain
● MS or PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field

3

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Restricted

Commensurate with Experience

40

06/30/2026

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.

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