Research Assistant - Department of Ophthalmology

Description

The Department of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant position.

Dr. Joel Palko is an assistant professor in the department of ophthalmology at the West Virginia University School of Medicine. He is a fellowship trained glaucoma surgeon with a wide range of research interests. Dr. Palko's basic science lab focuses on the role of ocular blood flow and ocular biomechanics in diseases such as glaucoma. To this end, Dr. Palko's lab utilizes the latest in high-frequency ultrasound technology (Vevo F2 system) and custom ultrasound localization microscopy and elastography methods to measure ocular blood flow and scleral biomechanics, respectively.

The lab is currently NIH funded and is primarily focused on how manipulations of scleral biomechanics and ocular blood flow influence glaucoma disease progression.

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)
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• 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. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

• Handling animal models of glaucoma
• Preparing for in vivo imaging experiments
• Tissue dissections
• Optic nerve histology preparation and imaging
• Experimentation using high-frequency ultrasound
• Use and further development of custom Matlab code
• Opportunity for clinical/translational research if desired.
• Preparation of manuscripts
• Document, analyze and present experimental results and discuss findings.

15

• Bachelor's degree in science field.
• A minimum of 0-6 months experience in the following:
  • Handling small animal models
  • Publication writing experience
  • Familiarity with histology
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
• Knowledge,
  
  Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to take initiative on projects and problem-solve
  • Attention to detail, strong organization skills
  • Ability to write manuscripts for publication

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.

Feb 27, 2026

Classified

Non-Exempt

Yes

Full-time