Research Assistant: Pancreatic Islet & Mitochondrial Biology

Marshall University; West Virginia; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Marshall University in Huntington, WV, is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Sidarala Laboratory. The role centers on mitochondrial dynamics and pancreatic β-cell biology to understand diabetes-related mechanisms.

You will gain extensive hands-on experience in molecular biology and imaging, with opportunities to publish and present findings. The position supports training in islet isolation, in vivo metabolic phenotyping, and data-driven manuscript preparation, with mentoring and growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate research records; Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain mouse colonies, including colony organization, record keeping, and health monitoring.
• Establish breeding schemes and genotyping workflows to generate experimental mouse cohorts.
• Assist with and perform in vivo studies, including animal handling, injections, metabolic phenotyping, glucose and insulin tolerance tests, blood and tissue collection, and other physiological assessments.
• Perform pancreatic islet isolations from mice (training provided as needed).
• Perform molecular biology techniques including DNA / RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning, and genotyping.
• Conduct biochemical assays including Western blotting, ELISA, insulin secretion assays, and enzyme activity measurements.
• Prepare laboratory reagents and solutions, maintain laboratory equipment, manage inventory, and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures.
• Organize, analyze, and maintain accurate records of experimental data using electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to manuscript preparation and grant applications as appropriate.

Skills

Mouse handling

Genotyping

Molecular biology

Data management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or closely related field

Job description

Marshall University in Huntington, WV, is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Sidarala Laboratory. The role centers on mitochondrial dynamics and pancreatic β-cell biology to understand diabetes-related mechanisms.

You will gain extensive hands-on experience in molecular biology and imaging, with opportunities to publish and present findings. The position supports training in islet isolation, in vivo metabolic phenotyping, and data-driven manuscript preparation, with mentoring and growth