Post Doctoral Fellow - Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine

Overview

Job Description - Post Doctoral Fellow - Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine (28753)

Post Doctoral Fellow - Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine 28753

Description

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Post Doctoral Fellow.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join Dr. Rong Liu’s lab, in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine at West Virginia University. This position focuses on investigating the roles and mechanisms of molecular motor proteins in human sensory processes. It offers an exciting opportunity to utilize cutting-edge single-molecule techniques and high-resolution microscopy to understand the biophysics of sensory motors, their impact on cytoskeletal dynamics, and how defects in these motor proteins lead to human sensory diseases such as vision and hearing loss.

The research will involve a multidisciplinary approach integrating modern recombinant protein expression, quantitative imaging, and iPSC-derived sensory neurons, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets for inherited retinal and hearing diseases.

The successful candidate will conduct independent research, collaborate within the team and with other scientists in the field, and receive dedicated mentorship to support their transition to the next stage of their scientific career. The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for illness, caregiving, medical appointments)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks
• Wellness programs

• Conduct experimental research to characterize motor proteins in a reduced reconstituted system and in live cellular environments.
• Collaborate with team members to interpret data, generate hypotheses, and design follow-up experiments.
• Summarize research findings and draft manuscripts for publication.
• Present research findings at conferences and seminars.
• Mentor students and junior trainees.

• PhD degree in life sciences or related discipline.
• A minimum of one (1) first-author peer-reviewed publication is required. Experience with purified proteins and modern fluorescent microscopy is highly desirable.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

• Strong background in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, iPSCs, or cellular mechanisms in vision and hearing processes.
• Experience with microscopy and high-throughput image quantification and data analysis.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent communication skills and a track record of scientific productivity (publications, conference presentations).

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.