The Agrawal Lab in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our team to assist with bench-level experiments and laboratory organization. The Agrawal lab studies neural circuits underlying motor control by utilizing the compact genetic model organism, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We use various cutting-edge techniques, including quantitative behavior with machine vision-based tracking, optogenetics, and in vivo neurophysiology. See the lab website (https://www.agrawalneurolab.com/) for more details. As a new lab, the position will feature lots of interaction and mentorship from Dr. Agrawal. Dr. Agrawal is committed to providing all members of the lab with scientific training and mentorship to help them pursue their career goals.

This position will assist the PI and other researchers in investigating the anatomy of sensorimotor circuits and how mechanosensory neurons contribute to controlling dynamic behaviors. They will use optogenetic manipulations of specific neurons in behaving flies while tracking 3D joint kinematics with the machine learning toolbox Anipose (anipose.org). Additional responsibilities include the maintenance of laboratory stocks, databases, and inventory of laboratory supplies as well as the general organization of the laboratory. There will also be opportunities to develop increasingly independent research projects following training and demonstration of proficiency with required research and organizational tasks.

No prior experience in Drosophila is necessary.
Anticipated start date: Spring, 2025.