Research Assistant I - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant I position.

About the Opportunity

This position will be part of the Visual Sciences COBRE in Visual Function and Morphology Core and will be fully supported by the NIH grant. The intent is to create a non-animal model to study disease mechanisms and identify treatments. In this regard, we are initiating work on generation of organoid models for retina and related blinding diseases. The newly hired person will join an exciting team of researchers in optimizing and generating organoid models. In this position, you will help the team in the generation, troubleshooting and characterization of organoid models. In addition, you will actively participate in the ongoing research including regular presentation of your research endeavors. We are looking for people wanting to work in a team with the focus on improving human health.

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 or more based on years of service (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 benefit
• 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

What You'll Do

• Conduct primary laboratory research
• Maintaining mammalian cell cultures
• Performing experiments using mammalian cells
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Conducting their own independent research projects
• Molecular biology (cloning and PCR
• Preparation of reagents as needed
• Ordering and stocking of chemicals including maintenance of inventories
• Overall maintenance of laboratory as a part of the team

Pay Grade: 15

• Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology or related field.
• A minimum of 0-6 months experience involving:
  
  
  
  • Prior experience working in a research lab.
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and laboratory experience in general molecular biology techniques.
• Skilled in DNA/RNA isolation from animal tissues and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
• Knowledge of laboratory environment and appropriate procedures.
• Ability to prepare reagents.
• Ability to present scientific data both orally and visually.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Skilled at using computers and applicable programs/applications.
• Skilled at assessing chemical concentrations/amounts of various chemical
  components in solutions.
• Skilled at using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  
• Skilled at using related 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

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