Research Assistant I - Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine

West Virginia University; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37.5-hour work week

13 paid holidays

15 vacation days

18 sick days

Health insurance

401(a) retirement benefits

Job summary

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV seeks a Research Assistant I to join a membrane receptor lab. The role covers reagent prep, cloning, protein expression, cell culture, data analysis, and maintenance.

You will learn cryo-EM and contribute to group meetings with strong documentation and teamwork. Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in life sciences and 0–6 months of lab experience; the position emphasizes organization,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in life sciences or related field required.
• 0-6 months of lab/research experience desired.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Lab logistics
• Preparation of reagents
• Molecular cloning
• Protein expression and purification
• Cell culture
• Data processing and analysis
• Mentoring junior lab members
• Overall maintenance of laboratory

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Cell biology

Molecular techniques

Reagent preparation

Microsoft Office

Lab equipment

Organization

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Job description

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine within the Health Science Center of WVU in Morgantown, WV is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant I.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated research assistant to join our laboratory, located within the Health Science Center of WVU in Morgantown, WV. Our research focuses on membrane receptors, such as G-protein coupled receptors, whose mutations are linked to various cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic diseases. We apply interdisciplinary approaches including cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology to understand the structure and function of these receptors, as well as seek therapeutics to treat related diseases.

The selected candidate will learn cutting-edge technologies including the state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy, perform independent research, and present at our weekly group meetings. Successful candidates should also have exceptional documentation and organizational skills for research and lab operations in addition to excellent teamwork skills.

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 benefits
• 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

• Lab logistics
• Preparation of reagents
• Molecular cloning
• Protein expression and purification
• Cell culture
• Data processing and analysis
• Mentoring junior lab members
• Overall maintenance of laboratory

Pay Grade: 15

Hours: 30

Bachelor's Degree in life sciences or related field required.

A minimum of 0-6 months of experience in lab/research.

Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.

All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of laboratory environment and appropriate procedures
• Experience 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Lab research experience including molecular cloning and protein purification is preferred