Molecular Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Counter Wildlife Trafficking

3 months ago

Blacksburg, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

Job Description

Embark on a transformative journey alongside Professor K. Alexander at Virginia Tech spearheading a pioneering partnership between Virginia Tech, the Botswana government, and the not-for-profit NGO CARACAL (Centre for African Resources: Animals, Communities and Land Use). Together, these agencies are creating a ground-breaking initiative to establish a state-of-the-art Wildlife Forensic Science Laboratory (WFSL) in the wildlife-dense region of northern Botswana in Kasane. This cutting-edge facility will empower researchers and law enforcement professionals to swiftly leverage DNA evidence in the fight against wildlife trafficking in northern Botswana and create new knowledge and tools to counter wildlife trafficking in this region and beyond.

The successful candidate will play a lead role in establishing the forensic molecular laboratory alongside partners in Botswana in particular development of next generation sequencing applications, microsatellite genotyping, and associated bioinformatics.

The candidate will coordinate project administration including purchasing project monitoring, reporting, communications, scheduling of meetings and workshops, and training among other responsibilities.

The candidate will be expected to publish key findings in high level peer-reviewed journals with team members from VT, CARACAL, and the Botswana Government.

Other Key Responsibilities:
• Coordinate vendor-provided equipment training and maintain necessary records.
• Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with Virginia Tech and Botswana Government biosafety and environmental health requirements for laboratory safety.
• Laboratory and staff management and training (US and Botswana).
• Data management and quality control.
• Provide statistical and bioinformatics molecular analytical workflows.

Project activities and time differences between Botswana and USA may require the applicant to work longer hours, evenings, or on the weekend. Position offers the opportunity to travel to Bostwana to execute project requirements as needed. The position is primarily located in Blacksburg, VA.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree or less degree with related significant experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in genomics, next generation sequencing applications, microsatellite investigations, and associated bioinformatics.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the field of wildlife forensics will be considered an advantage.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Review Date

5/2/24

Additional Information

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin on May 2, 2024.

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 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 , a , a college, , and . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous and . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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, 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 Jennifer Phillips  at < during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

  • Wildlife Forensic Scientist in Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics

    6 days ago

    Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Position OverviewWe invite you to explore a unique opportunity to collaborate with esteemed professionals in a pioneering project aimed at establishing a Wildlife Forensic Science Laboratory (WFSL). This initiative is dedicated to addressing the critical issue of wildlife trafficking through the application of molecular genetics and bioinformatics.The...

  • Laboratory Manager

    3 hours ago

    Blacksburg, United States Virginia Tech Full time

    The Hoyt and Langwig lab are searching for a research staff member to assist in general lab management and database maintenance and curation. The Langwig and Hoyt labs at Virginia Tech focus on the ecology and evolution of infectious disease. Both labs are housed at Steger Hall within the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. Primary essential duties will include...

  • Laboratory Operations Supervisor

    5 days ago

    Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Overview The Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a Laboratory Manager. This role involves overseeing essential laboratory functions and maintaining comprehensive databases. Our focus is on the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases, and the successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting...

  • Research Laboratory Coordinator

    2 weeks ago

    Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Overview The Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a Laboratory Manager. This role is essential for overseeing laboratory operations and ensuring effective management of data systems. The position involves collaboration with a team focused on the study of infectious diseases and their ecological impacts. ...

  • Laboratory Manager

    3 months ago

    Blacksburg, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Description The Hoyt and Langwig lab are searching for a research staff member to assist in general lab management and database maintenance and curation. The Langwig and Hoyt labs at Virginia Tech focus on the ecology and evolution of infectious disease. Both labs are housed at Steger Hall within the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. Primary essential...

  • Laboratory Manager

    2 months ago

    Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Virginia Tech Full time

    The Hoyt and Langwig lab are searching for a research staff member to assist in general lab management and database maintenance and curation. The Langwig and Hoyt labs at Virginia Tech focus on the ecology and evolution of infectious disease. Both labs are housed at Steger Hall within the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. Primary essential duties will include...

  • Laboratory Administration Lead

    2 weeks ago

    Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Overview The Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a Laboratory Manager. This role involves overseeing essential laboratory functions and maintaining comprehensive databases. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic research environment focused on the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. ...

  • Private Lands Biologist

    3 months ago

    Blacksburg, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Description The Conservation Management Institute (CMI) at Virginia Tech is seeking applications for a Private Lands Biologist (PLB) to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatic Connectivity Framework and other Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) water quality initiatives/projects in Kentucky. This project is...

  • Laboratory & Research Specialist I

    3 months ago

    Blacksburg, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Description A laboratory specialist position is available immediately in the Department of Biochemistry at Virginia Tech. The laboratory, headed by Dr. Brandon L Jutras, is asking fundamental questions about the biology and pathogenesis of spirochetes, specifically those responsible for Lyme disease and Syphilis. For more information on the exciting...

  • Laboratory Research Technician I

    2 weeks ago

    Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Overview A position for a laboratory research technician is currently open within the Department of Biochemistry. This role is focused on addressing fundamental inquiries related to the biology and pathogenic mechanisms of spirochetes, particularly those linked to Lyme disease and Syphilis. We encourage interested candidates to explore the...

  • Labratory & Research Specialist I

    3 months ago

    Blacksburg, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Description The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine seeks an experienced and motivated Research Laboratory Technician. The successful candidate is expected to support the College of Veterinary Medicine research, teaching, and clinical areas by doing biomedical disease research, including initiating and carrying out virology experiments...

  • Faculty Position

    3 months ago

    Blacksburg, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Description The Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech invites applications for two faculty positions in computational biology and bioinformatics (CBB) and related areas. The positions are expected to be offered to a tenure-track assistant professor; exceptional candidates with qualifications appropriate to a tenured associate professor...

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate

    3 days ago

    Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate or Research Scientist to join our team at the Commonwealth of Virginia. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating project logistics and team activities, designing and implementing literature reviews and surveys of landowners, and traveling to meet with landowners...

  • Laboratory Manager

    3 days ago

    Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job SummaryThe Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking a highly skilled and organized individual to join our team as a Laboratory Manager. This is a critical role that requires exceptional communication skills, high-level organizational abilities, and attention to detail.Key ResponsibilitiesDatabase management and curation, including entering, error checking,...

  • Natural Resource Specialist

    3 months ago

    Blacksburg, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Description A natural resources specialist with a passion for social-ecological science is sought for a 2.5 year study on the socio-ecological benefits and impacts of haying, grazing and silvopasture on Conservation Reserve Program lands in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. The specialist will be directly supervised by Dr. Sarah...

  • Research Technician

    3 days ago

    Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job SummaryThe Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Laboratory Research Assistant to join our team in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech. As a Laboratory Research Assistant, you will play a critical role in supporting ongoing research activities in the Thompson laboratory.Key ResponsibilitiesAssist with...

  • Postdoctoral Associate or Research Scientist

    3 months ago

    Blacksburg, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Description A postdoctoral associate or research scientist with a passion for social-ecological science is sought for a 2.5 year study on the socio-ecological benefits and impacts of haying, grazing and silvopasture on Conservation Reserve Program lands in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. The postdoctoral associate will be directly...

  • Assistant Biosafety Officer

    3 months ago

    Blacksburg, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Description Reporting to the Assistant Director/University Biosafety Officer/Responsible Official, the Assistant Biosafety Officer provides professional assistance to the Virginia Tech Biosafety Office in developing, implementing, and managing biosafety and associated technical training and education programs, as well as monitoring and coordinating...

  • Research & Field Technician

    3 months ago

    Blacksburg, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Description We seek field technicians (up to 6 total) to help us capture, sample, and mark animals. Animals will be anesthetized so we can collect swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing. Additionally, we will be collecting serum samples from these species to test for previous exposure to the virus. Technicians will gain experience using multiple types of...

  • Lab Technician

    3 months ago

    Blacksburg, United States Commonwealth of Virginia Full time

    Job Description The Thompson laboratory in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a motivated part-time laboratory technician to assist with ongoing research activities. This role involves supporting projects that study the effects of thyroid hormone signaling changes on the brain development of Xenopus laevis tadpoles. The technician...