Research Assistant 2026: $20/Hour Part-Time Opportunity at Virginia Tech

Overview

Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia, has a part-time Research Assistant opening in the Sahoo Lab. The lab studies the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind bone marrow failure, clonal hematopoiesis and the progression of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Its methods include multi-omics profiling of primary patient samples, induced pluripotent stem cell models, organoids and mouse models, used to understand disease mechanisms and find therapeutic vulnerabilities.

The lab describes itself as a growing environment that values rigorous work, training, mentorship, reproducibility, safety and accurate record keeping.

What you do

The assistant mainly supports mouse research: maintaining colonies, genotyping, managing timed breeding, performing approved procedures such as tail-vein and intraperitoneal injections and routine blood collection, and collecting samples under approved protocols. Training may be given for specialized procedures such as retro-orbital injections. The role can also include molecular biology work such as DNA and RNA extraction, cloning, PCR genotyping, quantitative PCR, gel electrophoresis, bone marrow isolation and flow cytometry, with training provided for some techniques. Duties also include lab ordering, inventory management and data archiving.

What you get

Starting pay is $20 per hour, depending on experience, for up to 32 hours per week. The post is non-exempt and eligible for overtime. Virginia Tech is a land-grant institution that reports more than $650 million in annual research.

Requirements

Applicants need demonstrated hands-on experience maintaining mouse colonies and performing procedures including tail-vein and intraperitoneal injections and routine blood collection. Strong communication, organization and attention to detail are expected, along with the ability to follow instructions, organize and analyze experimental data, and work both independently and in a team. Experience with mouse hematopoiesis and flow cytometry is preferred. The successful candidate must pass a criminal conviction check.

Key dates

The listed review date is July 29, 2026.