Research Assistant

Job Description

The Noninvasive Ultrasound Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech in association with the Department of Neuroscience has an immediate opening for a highly motivated research assistant. The Noninvasive Ultrasound Lab led by Dr. Wynn Legon, studies human neuromodulation primarily using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU). The research seeks to develop and optimize LIFU as a new human brain mapping tool and for translation to clinical therapies in addiction, mental health and pain. Knowledge in basic computer skills, record keeping and experience with human data collection is required. The candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills and be comfortable working with a diverse population including clinical patients, engineers, and scientists. Experience working in a research laboratory is helpful but not mandatory. The lab requires the candidate to interact with patients, participants, clinicians and researchers on and off site to maintain operation of lab research activities including collection of human subjects data that includes using electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG), continuous blood-pressure monitoring, application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and collection of behavioral data. This position also requires initiating and maintaining IRB applications, storing and filing electronic and paper data as well some basic data analysis and presentation. Training is provided for all above skill and techniques. Some familiarity with the above techniques/requirements is a plus. Strong intrapersonal skills and desire and ability to work with different participants and patient populations is a must. There is opportunity for the candidate to participate in research publication and attendance at national scientific conferences if able and appropriate. The Legon team was the first to apply LIFU to humans for non-invasive neuromodulation and seeks to extend our ground-breaking findings to clinical and therapeutic applications including addiction, mental health and pain.

Required Qualifications

• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and team skills
• Basic computer skills
• Record keeping and experience with data collection
• Ability to work with different participants and patient populations

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or training in health science, neuroscience, psychology, kinesiology or related field
• Relevant experience in a research setting
• Demonstrated experience supporting and coordinating human subjects' research

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience.

Hours per week

40

Review Date

1/19/2026

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