Research Scientist (Ni Lab)

**Job Description** The research scientist will conduct independent and collaborative research on projects involving molecular, cellular, and circuit-level analysis of thermosensory systems across multiple insect species. The candidate is expected to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and external presentations, and to collaborate effectively with both laboratory members and external collaborators. The qualified candidate is expected to commit to a minimum of two years. **Required Qualifications** • Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related discipline • Experience in electrophysiology or calcium imaging and the associated analysis • Experience using a microscope such as confocal or two-photon scopes • Demonstrated research productivity through peer-reviewed publications and/or preprints • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively **Preferred Qualifications** • Experience using Drosophila (fruit flies) as a research model • Experience in molecular biology techniques • Experience in computational data analysis and scientific programming (Python, R, MATLAB) • Experience in connectome analysis • Experience in molecular dynamics modeling **Overtime Status** Exempt: Not eligible for overtime **Appointment Type** Restricted **Salary Information** $65,000 -$75,000 (commensurate with experience) **Hours per week** 40 hours - exempt position **Review Date** 7/06/2026 **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](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.inclusive.vt.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmichelleh%40vt.edu%7Ce4a9fd37a7d74803b26208ddcf953bad%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638894962046860349%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wQ1HOnFsi5ngKmzTL4JRIjYf706XwTNtW9kGsLsF4WM%3D&reserved=0 "Original URL: https://www.inclusive.vt.edu/. Click or tap if you trust this link.") 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](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvt.edu%2Facademics%2Fdepts-colleges.html&data=05%7C02%7Cmichelleh%40vt.edu%7Ce4a9fd37a7d74803b26208ddcf953bad%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638894962046881337%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jlfDj7LQa7G8KTln1Q92BQEF4NP3Gr42nHN8QQukmK8%3D&reserved=0 "Original URL: https://vt.edu/academics/depts-colleges.html. Click or tap if you trust this link."), a [school of medicine](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.vtc.vt.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmichelleh%40vt.edu%7Ce4a9fd37a7d74803b26208ddcf953bad%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638894962046890565%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=f%2BMFpImZSc1ZuEyirAGW%2FDDUXlc2c%2BPYwbZyPPyJ0cI%3D&reserved=0 "Original URL: https://medicine.vtc.vt.edu/. Click or tap if you trust this link."), a [veterinary medicine](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vetmed.vt.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmichelleh%40vt.edu%7Ce4a9fd37a7d74803b26208ddcf953bad%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638894962046900077%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIs…