Research Scientist IV - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

Job Description - Research Scientist IV - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (29436)

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Scientist.

We are seeking a research scientist 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 motor‑related vision and hearing diseases.

The successful candidate will conduct independent research, collaborate within the team and with other scientists in the field, and play a supervisory role within the group. The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience.

• 37.5‑hour work week
• 13 paid holidays
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
• 18 sick days per year (for illness, family care, or personal medical appointments)
• Health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match
• 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 field is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in biomedical research or a related field.
• One or more first‑author peer‑reviewed academic papers are required.
• Experience working 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 an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.