Post-Doctorate Research Associate/ Lab Manager

West Liberty University • West Liberty, WV

21h • Onsite

About The Position

West Liberty University invites applications for a laboratory research role with the Hilltop Center for Biomedical Research in the Department of Biology. The position contributes to innovative, grant-funded biomedical research and supports student development. Research areas include microbial pathogenesis, antibiotic discovery and development, endocrine physiology, and bone development and skeletal biology. Funded through the West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE), the role works alongside faculty investigators and mentors student researchers in an academic research environment.

The Laboratory Research Scientist advances ongoing research projects and supports laboratory operations. The role involves leading and coordinating experiments, mentoring undergraduate researchers, maintaining laboratory operations and biological stocks, coordinating multiple projects, and supporting approved animal research activities. The successful candidate is expected to participate in continuous improvement in teaching, professional development, and service to the University and community.

Requirements

• Master's or doctoral degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Microbiology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant laboratory research experience.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical laboratory methodologies.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Experience maintaining accurate laboratory records and research documentation.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; West Liberty University does not sponsor employment visas.
• Final candidates must successfully complete a background screening.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in a biomedical or related scientific discipline.
• Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate or graduate researchers.
• Experience with cell culture, microbiological techniques, molecular biology, animal research, or related biomedical research methodologies.
• Experience in grant-funded research environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, conduct, troubleshoot, and analyze biomedical research experiments.
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols.
• Interpret and present scientific findings.
• Contribute to publications, reports, presentations, and grant-related activities.
• Train and mentor undergraduate researchers in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis.
• Promote research integrity, laboratory safety, and scientific professionalism.
• Maintain laboratory organization and efficiency, including inventories, equipment, reagents, and supplies.
• Coordinate purchasing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality assurance activities.
• Oversee maintenance of microbial cultures, cell cultures, and biological stocks.
• Assist with managing multiple research projects, tracking milestones and objectives, and coordinating resources, personnel, and activities.
• Adapt research plans based on experimental findings and evolving priorities.
• Coordinate and participate in approved animal research activities, monitor animal health, and maintain required records.
• Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement in teaching, professional development, and service to the University and community.

Benefits

• Approximately two days of annual leave per month.
• 12–13 paid holidays per year.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Free access to campus wellness facilities.
• Free admission to WLU events with an employee Topper Card.
• 100% undergraduate tuition waiver for eligible employees, spouses, and dependents.
• 50% graduate tuition waiver for eligible employees in select programs.
• 35% doctoral tuition waiver for eligible employees in select programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior