Research Associate II, Chemist

Job Description

An individual experienced in quantitative analysis of nutrients in
foods, Standard Operating Procedures (writing, following),
principles and implementation of analytical quality control and
documentation, data analysis (spreadsheet, statistical),
performance of GC and HPLC analyses and routine equipment
maintenance, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and
ability to work independently and take initiative in problem
solving is needed to work on a sponsored research project in the
Food Analysis Laboratory in the Biochemistry Department. The
individual will, after consultation with the PI about project
goals, be expected to become familiar with the analytical methods
and components being analyzed, the chemistry involved, and organize
work to systematically set up and validate assay methods
(initially, starting from established SOPs for assays not currently
being run (analysis of phytosterols, fatty acids, vitamin D,
vitamin C in foods) but needing to be brought back online for
analysis of research study samples, and then to analyze samples.
Later the work might involve setting up new methods, and
contributing to research on methodology. The methods involve
liquid/liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, precise
gravimetric measurements, and quantitative HPLC and GC analysis.
The person will be responsible for routine maintenance and
operation of two HPLC and two GC instruments, including
troubleshooting analytical issues, and must have experience and
competence actually doing this. The individual will also be
responsible for a variety of sample preparation equipment
(including homogenizers, sonicators, centrifuges, evaporators,
solid phase extraction apparatus, gas cylinders, fume hoods, dry
baths, vacuum and forced air ovens, analytical balances, shakers,
water baths, etc.), and will provide technical expertise to junior
staff, assist as needed with food sample preparation and and
control materials, as well as assist the PI with
publications.

This work is part of sponsored research that would be performed for
one year, starting at the end of September 2026. Because of the
timeframe and deliverables required (i.e. results for samples and
need for someone to be in charge of equipment), the individual must
have sufficient experience, competence, attention to detail, and
communication skills to start generating results with consistently
acceptable precision and accuracy.

Directions given and received: After conferring with the PI on
project goals, the individual is expected to develop detailed plans
to organize and conduct the work independently, conferring as
necessary with the supervisor, to organize timelines to meet
project deadlines. Keeps the P.I. informed of any problems and
personnel needs, including that of other laboratory personnel,
conferring as necessary but taking the lead in problem solving and
supervision of analytical work in the laboratory. The initial
project will be to set up an existing SOP and QC measures to
analyze phytosterols in grain samples and begin assaying study
sample within six weeks of the first day of employment, with
minimal supervision and guidance, and achieving results with
consistently acceptable accuracy and precision.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or bachelor's with a minimum of 3-years

post-degree experience in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, food
chemistry, or a closely related field.

• Extensive hands-on experience with gas chromatography, liquid

chromatography, and automated chromatography software for
quantitative analysis of components biological materials,
preferably nutrients in foods.

• Experience with a variety of analytical techniques and equipment,

including lipid extraction, solid phase extraction, gravimetric
analysis.

• Experience and competence in performing routine maintenance and

troubleshooting of GC and HPLC systems.

• Experience in all steps of quantitative analysis of food samples

for organic nutrients particularly lipids (including sterols, fatty
acids).

• Demonstrable understanding of quality control and method

validation criteria and ability to consistently produce data with
accuracy and precision.

• Competence in statistical analysis of data and use of Microsoft

Excel for analysis and presentation of data.

• Knowledge of and experience in application of quality

control/quality assurance in quality control/quality assurance of
quantitative analytical chemistry processes and data.

• Experienced with Standard Operating Procedures (writing,

implementation) and documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently to organize work to

meet project timelines.

• Ability to communicate effectively with the P.I. to discuss

ideas, plans, and results.

• Effective communication skills.
• Organized, with attention to detail in documentation and

analytical rigor.

• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to lift and move equipment over 25 pounds.
• Ability to work with hazardous materials, and standing, walking,

stooping and bending for long periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GC-MS operation and data interpretation.
• Experience training and supervising laboratory staff.
• Experience with quantitative analysis of fatty acids, total

lipid, sterols, vitamin C, vitamin D, and/or dietary fiber.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$60,000 - $70,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

10/25/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal
conviction check. This position requires the successful candidate
to start immediately given the needs on the sponsored
project.

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 Dr. Katherine Phillips at kmpvpi@vt.edu during regular business
hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.