Research Assistant - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

West Virginia University • West Virginia, WV

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at West Virginia University is seeking a motivated research assistant to join their laboratory, located within the Health Science Center of WVU in Morgantown, WV. The laboratory's research focuses on membrane receptors, such as G-protein coupled receptors, whose mutations are linked to various cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic diseases. Interdisciplinary approaches including cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology are applied to understand the structure and function of these receptors, as well as to seek therapeutics for related diseases. The selected candidate will learn cutting-edge technologies including state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy, perform independent research, and present at weekly group meetings. Exceptional documentation and organizational skills for research and lab operations, in addition to excellent teamwork skills, are expected. The position emphasizes work-life balance and offers generous benefits.

Requirements

• Bachelors in life sciences or related field
• A minimum of 0-6 months of experience in the following: Lab research experience including molecular cloning and protein purification is preferred
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Lab research experience including molecular cloning and protein purification

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

Benefits

• 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)
• Range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6%25 employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks.
• Wellness programs

What This Job Offers

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