Research Assistant

Marshall University School of Pharmacy; Huntington (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Marshall University in Huntington, WV invites applications for a Research Assistant to join Dr. Price E. Dickson's lab.

The position supports genetic and behavioral studies of drug addiction using mouse models and omics approaches. Responsibilities include maintaining a mouse colony, tissue harvesting for sequencing, performing surgical techniques under supervision, and coordinating tasks among technicians and students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, or a related field is required.
• No prior experience is required.
• A master’s degree would be beneficial but is not required.

Responsibilities

• Support lab activities for Dr. Price E. Dickson's team.
• Maintain a colony of experimental mice (~200 cages).
• Tissue harvesting and preparation for sequencing.
• Coordinating tasks with technicians, doctoral students, and research scientists.
• Learning surgical techniques and behavioral testing in mice.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, or related field

Tools

Python

R

CAD (Fusion 360)

3D printing

Windows/Linux PCs

Job description

Position Information

Banner Position Number

Banner Position Number R10953

Position Title

Position Title Research Assistant

Classification Title

Classification Title MURC-Market/Survey Researchers

Department

Department SOM-BioMedical Science - RC5130

Job Description

We are currently seeking a self-motivated and highly organized research assistant to support the lab of Dr. Price E. Dickson at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. The Dickson Laboratory investigates the genetic drivers of drug addiction using the following approaches:

• Recombinant inbred mouse panels
• Operant conditioning
• Intravenous drug self-administration
• Machine learning approaches for analysis of mouse behavior
• Omics approaches including bulk, single-cell, and spatial RNA -seq
• Bioinformatics analysis of omics data
• Calcium imaging techniques including fiber photometry and miniaturized microscopes
• Behavioral testing of mice
• Learning and implementing surgical techniques in the laboratory mouse including intravenous jugular catheterization and stereotaxic surgery
• Maintaining a colony of experimental mice (~200 cages)
• Tissue harvesting and preparation of tissue samples for sequencing
• Coordinating these tasks with a team of technicians, doctoral students, and research scientists

Experience with the following techniques would be beneficial but is not required

• Research experience using mice or rats
• Previous experience with one or more of the techniques used in Dr. Dickson’s laboratory
• Building and troubleshooting computer workstations in both Windows and Linux environments
• AI-assisted computer programming in Python or R
• Computer-aided design ( CAD ) using Autodesk Fusion or similar software
• Coordinating fabrication of CAD designs through Xometry or comparable vendors
• Light machining and fabrication of plastic or aluminum components using tools such as a CNC router, lathe, or 3D printer.

Location

Location OTHR - Other Off-Campus Location

Salary Range

Salary Range Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, or a related field is required

Experience

No prior experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• A master’s degree would be beneficial but is not required.

Experience

Posting Number

Posting Number MR0922

Open Date

Open Date 09/29/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Marshall University
One John Marshall Drive
Huntington, WV 25755