Job Description
We are seeking a wage personnel Agricultural Technician at Virginia Tech’s AHS Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, located in Winchester, Virginia. Join the dynamic horticulture research team at the AHS Jr. AREC and play a critical role in supporting innovative research through hands-on field and laboratory work, with a focus on the development and management of fruit tree research plots.
Key Responsibilities:
• Prepare media for tissue culture, in vitro propagation, and genetic transformation experiments.
• Collect, sterilize, and culture plant tissues under sterile conditions.
• Assist with experiments related to in vitro propagation, gene editing, and transformation.
• Provide full care for plants and plantlets grown in vitro or under greenhouse conditions.
• Assist in and independently perform basic molecular biology experiments, including PCR, qRT-PCR, gel documentation, and nucleic acid quantification.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, plant materials, media preparation, autoclave logs, and experimental outputs.
• Assist in a broad range of field and laboratory experiments as needed, including sample collection from the field and laboratory evaluation of fruit quality parameters.
• Collaborate with graduate students, field technicians, and other personnel on research initiatives.
Required Qualifications
This position will not exceed 1,500 hours within the payment year.
• Direct or related experience in general biology, molecular biology, or laboratory analyses in a wage or similar capacity.
• Computer literacy, particularly with MS Word, Excel, email, and internet applications.
• A valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation.
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in plant biology or a related field, with practical experience in tissue culture, molecular biology, or relevant laboratory skills.
• Experience in data management and supervision.
Pay Band
2
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
15.00
Hours per week
20-40
Review Date
3/17/2026
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 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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, 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 $650 million in research annually.
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