Research Technician (Buczynski Lab)

Job Description

The Gregus/Buczynski Lab in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a parttime Research Technician to support ongoing, extramurally funded research focused on identifying new therapeutic strategies for chronic pain and alcohol use disorder.

This position is ideally suited for a recent undergraduate graduate seeking 1.52 years of immersive research experience prior to applying to a PhD program (or related advanced training). The technician will gain handson experience in behavioral neuroscience and pharmacology, contribute meaningfully to funded projects, and have clear opportunities to earn authorship on publications.

About the Gregus/Buczynski Lab:
Our laboratory integrates behavioral pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and translational neuroscience to address clinically relevant questions with real-world impact. We maintain active collaborations with investigators at Scripps Research, Mayo Clinic, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas, and across Virginia Tech, providing exposure to interdisciplinary, team-based science.

What you'll do:
Assist with rodent behavioral experiments related to pain and substance use Support ongoing projects through data collection, organization, and preliminary analysis
Maintain animal colony records and assist with routine laboratory operations
Prepare solutions, maintain equipment, and ensure compliance with lab protocols
Participate in lab meetings and research discussions
Contribute to abstracts, posters, and manuscripts (with opportunities for co-authorship)

Mentorship & lab culture:
This position is designed as a structured research training experience, not just a technical role.

The technician will receive:
Hands-on training in experimental design, behavioral assays, and data interpretation
Regular mentorship focused on graduate-school preparation, including advice on selecting programs, building a competitive application, and scientific writing & communication
Opportunities to attend lab meetings, departmental seminars, and conferences as appropriate

Our lab is teamoriented, supportive, collegial, and inclusive. We value curiosity, reliability, and a genuine interest in learning how highquality science is done.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, pharmacology, or a related field (completed by start date)
Interest in behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology, or translational research
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working with animals (e.g., rat or mouse behavior)
Coursework or research experience related to neuroscience, psychology, or physiology
Interest in pursuing a research-focused graduate degree (PhD or equivalent)
Previous laboratory, independent research, or honors thesis experience

Note: No prior experience in all techniques used in the lab is expected motivation, reliability, and enthusiasm for research are valued more than an exact skill match.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$18-$24 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Hours per week

20

Review Date

Open Until Filled

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.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . 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 Natalie Langowsky at ... during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.