Careers and Human Resources

All applicants go through Virginia Tech's job portal, jobs.vt.edu. By clicking the Apply Now button, you can search for available jobs or, if you don't see a job that matches your interest or qualifications, submit an expression of interest.

To apply, you'll need to create an account which allows you to submit additional documents, track your application and apply for jobs in the future.

What information do I need to apply to a position with FBRI?

You’ll need a valid email address, work history, education, a list of references and an electronic version of your resume.

Applicants for faculty positions should be prepared to include a Statement of Research and Teaching/Interest Plan.

For staff positions, a cover letter is required, but optional for other jobs.

How can I reset my password?

Click the Applicant Login located on the top right of the Listings page. Click the Forgotten your password link, located below the Login Name and Password fields on the login page. On the popup, enter the email address you used when you originally created your profile. (If you enter a different email address not in the system, your password cannot be reset.) Check your email, and click the link provided to follow the reset password steps.

How can I improve my application and résumé?

Consider having a friend or family member review it and give feedback, check for misspellings, provide full information (dates) and provide licensure/certification details.

I do not have access to a computer to complete the online application. How can I apply for a job I am interested in?

If you do not have a computer at home, we encourage you to access the Internet at a public library.

Do I need to apply separately for each position I am interested in?

Yes. You will need to apply online for each position you are interested in, even if they have the same title. (For example, applying for one research assistant position does not mean you have applied for every open research assistant position).

To whom should I address my cover letter?

Your application materials may be reviewed by multiple recruiters and hiring managers. For this reason, please address your cover letter to Human Resources.

Can I fax or email my résumé directly to Human Resources?

Please do not email or fax your résumé unless we have requested additional information from you. If you are interested in applying for an open position, submit your materials through our online process.

How do I know that Human Resources has received my complete application?

To check if your application is complete, log into the career site. On the Home page you’ll see a list of past job submittals.

If I have applied for a job opening, how long will it be before I know if I have been selected for an interview?

Times vary. We will contact only those qualified candidates and are selected for an interview.

How do I update my information in FBRI’s system?

Log into your existing profile, and then select the Update profile button. Enter any updates to your personal information or résumé, and click the Update Profile button.

Virginia Tech employees may take advantage of a variety of health benefits to help meet their specific needs, as well as their family's. This comprehensive coverage includes medical insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and workers compensation.

To help promote a healthy work-life balance, Virginia Tech provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off, holidays, and sick leave.

It’s never too early or too late to invest in your future. The university’s retirement plans provide ample opportunities for employees to save for your life after work, including through the Virginia Retirement System. Retirement planning guidance is also available.

Whether you are new employee, new manager or supervisor, or looking to improve software or other skills, Human Resources' Professional Development team offers a variety of ongoing professional development courses to help employees claim their role at Virginia Tech. Our courses provide highly engaging opportunities for employees to enhance workplace skills and strengthen operational knowledge.

We offer workshops in several development categories including:

• Career development workshops help you see the many paths your career can take – no matter where you start. You will learn about the skills and knowledge needed to reach your goals.
• Linkedin.com instructional videos cover the latest software, creative and business skills. The online library is available to all employees and students.
• Administrative support skills: These courses are recommended for any employee whose primary responsibilities support the work of others.
• Leadership skills: These courses are recommended for employees in senior level academic or administrative roles; for those charged with formulating strategic goals and inspiring others to meet organizational aims.
• Managerial or supervisory skills: These courses are recommended for employees in roles involving the direct management, supervision, or oversight of other employees; for those charged with operational management, goal setting, coaching, and or performance management responsibilities.
• Professional or individual contributor skills: These courses are recommended for employees who contributes to the university’s success through individual expertise, team or project participation, but may not have direct reports.
• Office software skills: Courses offer basic, intermediate, and advanced desktop application courses in Microsoft Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Undergraduate Research

We hire about 100 students each year. Our interns are given true hands-on, minds-on challenges and projects that translate in purpose-driven engagement and exceptional experiential  learning opportunities. 

Exceptional undergraduate students looking for summer opportunities are encouraged to apply for one of Virginia Tech’s competitive summer undergraduate fellowship programs. Many of these programs provide a stipend, housing, and short -courses to compliment the research experience. For more information and to apply, visit the program websites:

• The NeuroSURF Program is a 10-week summer program that gives students the opportunity to participate in hands-on, hypothesis-driven research in an area of translational neurobiology at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. This program encompasses a full-time, 40-hour weekly schedule and supports neuroSURF students with a competitive stipend. Housing will also be provided to students who need it.
• The Molecular Visualization SURF Program at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute gives students the opportunity to participate in a weekly workshop series to provide hands-on experience in the cutting edge imaging technologies housed within the institute to understand appropriate application of each technology in understanding biological processes. It's a 10-week summer program giving students experience in hypothesis-driven independent research. This program encompasses a full-time, 40-hour week schedule and supports Molecular Visualization SURF students with a $4,000 stipend. Housing will also be provided to those students that need it.
• The Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program’s Summer Research Internships include a $3,000 stipend, free room and board, a 10 week GRE prep class, and a variety of other weekly activities and excursions. Awardees may perform research with participating institute faculty.

Graduate Research

Primary faculty members at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute also serve as thesis mentors to Ph.D.-level graduate students at Virginia Tech. Candidates interested in carrying out thesis research with investigators at the institute should consider applying to Virginia Tech's Master's and Ph.D.-level program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, or one of Virginia Tech's departmental-based graduate programs.

Postdoctoral Research

To see a list of current postdoctoral training positions at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, visit the Virginia Tech employment website. If you are interested in postdoctoral training with a particular investigator and there are no open positions listed, please contact that investigator directly to inquire about future postdoc possibilities.

High School Programs

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute faculty provide a very limited number of research mentorship experiences each year for advanced (junior or senior) high school students. High school students interested in gaining research experience at the institute should submit an online application here. Prospective trainees may learn more about individual faculty, their research, and publications through our Primary Faculty and Laboratory pages. For more information or questions, please contact Taryn Pelletier at taryn1@vtc.vt.edu.

The following materials are required to complete the application:     

• A resume, including any laboratory skills and experiences
• An unofficial high school transcript
• A statement of the student's research interests, including specific research institute faculty they are interested in working with
• An estimate of the time the student would be available to participate in research (e.g. Fall semester, 10 hrs/week)

Please note that we do not typically host students for “job shadowing” programs. It is expected that students will complete and present a small project as part of any mentorship experience, and will have already had some basic preparation in school to familiarize them with how to conduct basic research, use of common computer software, and application of math toward problem solving.