Job Description

The Halassa Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant. Led by Dr. Michael Halassa, the lab uses controlled behavioral tasks alongside physiological, genetic, and optical techniques to investigate the brain circuits that support cognitive function. They focus on thalamocortical networks and how they contribute to attention, executive control, and decision-making. The goal of our lab is to develop a computational framework for understanding the cognitive thalamus.

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and be comfortable joining a dynamic research lab. Prior laboratory experience is helpful but not required. The primary responsibility involves programming of new behavioral task and the development of analysis pipelines. Programming skills, accurate record-keeping, and experience with data collection are required, as well as the ability to manage electronic and paper data. In addition, the position involves working with mice and tree shrews, so a fundamental interest in animal models and behavior is essential. Techniques in the lab include in vivo electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, optogenetics, and computational approaches. The candidate will perform basic analyses, and assist with figure preparation for publications and presentations. Familiarity with the lab’s core techniques is a plus. The candidate should be collaborative, detail-oriented, and adaptable to different research tasks. Opportunities exist to contribute to research publications and attend national scientific conferences when appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to organize and analyze experimental data
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and team skills
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated computer skills and programming experience
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability and desire to succeed in a fast-paced research environment with multiple concurrent duties
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or training in neuroscience biology, psychology, or a related field
• Experience working in a professional research setting
• Experience in programming with MATLAB, Arduino, Python, LabView
• Experience contributing to publications or scientific presentations

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

5/22/26

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 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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