Research Assistant - Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine

Research Assistant - Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine

West Virginia University, Immediate Start Date, Remote Job:
Yes, Telecommute:
Yes, Sponsor Visa:
No.

Full Time

Experience:

0 year(s) or above

Skills:

Molecular Cloning, Protein Expression, Protein Purification, Cell Culture, Confocal Microscopy, Data Interpretation, Hypothesis Generation, Experiment Design, Mentoring, Laboratory Maintenance, Reagent Preparation, Microsoft Office.

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant position. We are seeking a motivated research technician to join Dr. Rong Liu’s laboratory, located within the Health Science Center at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. Our research focuses on investigating the functions of molecular motor proteins in visual and auditory mechanisms.

Our lab uses a combination of in vitro reconstitution, single-molecule biophysics, quantitative imaging, and cell biological approaches to pursue these questions. The successful candidate will conduct independent research and collaborate within the team as well as with other scientists in the field. The individual will also 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.

• 37.5‑hour work week
• 13 paid holidays
• 15 annual leave days per year
• 18 sick days per year
• Generously extended 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

• Molecular cloning and generating plasmids for expressing proteins in cells
• Eukaryotic cell based protein expression and purification
• Mammalian cell culture and confocal microscopy
• Collaboration with team members to interpret data, generate hypotheses, and design follow‑up experiments
• Mentoring students and junior lab members
• Presenting research findings at lab meetings and national conferences
• Overall maintenance of laboratory as a part of the team

Pay Grade: 15

• Bachelor’s in life sciences or related field
• Minimum of 0–6 months of lab research experience including molecular cloning and protein purification
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment

• Knowledge of laboratory environment and appropriate procedures
• Knowledge in general cell biology and molecular techniques
• Ability to prepare reagents
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and other related lab software/applications
• Skilled at using general laboratory equipment
• Good organization skills and self‑motivation
• Willingness and ability to learn new protocols/procedures in a rapid manner
• Ability to get along with others in a group setting

The successful candidate will conduct independent research focusing on molecular motor proteins in visual and auditory mechanisms using biophysics and cell biology approaches. Key duties include molecular cloning, protein expression/purification, mammalian cell culture, microscopy, data interpretation, and mentoring junior members.