Research Assistant - Department Of Ophthalmology

The Department of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University's Health Science Center 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 inherited retinal diseases, with an emphasis on understanding the basic molecular mechanisms by which genetic mutations impair vision, and on developing AAV-based gene therapies to treat these conditions. We use a combination of mouse models, molecular and cellular biology techniques, and in vivo visual function testing to study retinal degeneration and evaluate therapeutic interventions.

The selected candidate will learn techniques including molecular cloning, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, fluorescence microscope imaging, and mouse visual function testing such as electroretinography (ERG), 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)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (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

• Immunohistochemistry and histological processing of tissue

• Western blot analysis

• Fluorescent microscope imaging

• Mouse handling and assessment of visual function (e.g., electroretinogram)

• Data processing and analysis

• Mentoring junior lab members

• Overall maintenance of laboratory

• Bachelor's in life sciences or related field

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the following:

• Lab research experience including molecular cloning, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, or related field.

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

• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and 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. Ability to use general laboratory equipment
• Willingness to learn animal handling and mouse visual function testing (e.g., ERG)
• 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