Post Doctoral Fellow - Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine

West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a Post Doctoral Fellow with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated 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 preclinical cellular and animal models, 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.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:
* 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
* PTO
* 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
* A range of health insurance and various other benefits
* Dependent Education Scholarship
* WVU Perks
* And More!!

What you'll do:

• Conducting experimental research to characterize motor proteins in a reduced reconstituted system and in live cellular environments.
• Collaborating with team members to interpret data, generate hypotheses, and design follow-up experiments.
• Summarizing research findings and drafting manuscripts for publication.
• Presenting research findings at conferences and seminars.
• Mentoring students and junior trainees.

• Ph.D degree in biomedicine.
• A minimum of one (1) first-author peer-reviewed academic paper(s) are required.
• Research experience in working with purified proteins, fluorescent microscopy, or animal models is highly desirable.
• Strong background in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, or cellular mechanisms in vision and hearing processes.
• Experiences 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).

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic environment is core to WVURC's mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.