Research Assistant

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Category Non-Classified Position Title Research Assistant Working Title Unit/Division Academic Affairs Location WVSOM Main Campus, Lewisburg, WV Scheduled Hours Per Week 37.5 FLSA Status Exempt

Job Summary

Job Description Summary

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) invites applications for a full time Research Assistant position. Successful candidates will either be classified as Research Assistant I or Research Assistant II based on their ability to meet the minimum qualifications for each position. Duties and responsibilities for both positions are detailed below. This position reports to the Supervisor of Research Labs and Science Building.

The Research Assistant is a full-time, non-classified position and is exempt from FLSA regulations concerning overtime. Minimum base salary is $40,000 to $47,000 based on education and experience. Not all activities of this position occur within the confines of an 8:00-4:30 schedule and may require evening and weekend scheduling as needed. The weekly schedule for this position will be established between the Supervisor of Research Labs and Science Building and the employee and approved given the needs of the department and the institution.

This position is designated as Essential. This means that when WVSOM is faced with an institutional emergency, employees in such positions may be required to remain at their work location or to report to work to protect, recover and continue operations at WVSOM.

Applications are considered confidential. The search committee will begin its review of applications upon receipt and the search will remain open until the position is filled.

Medical Monitoring: Frequent exposure to toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions are common to a research environment. This position requires the incumbent to participate in the Medical Monitoring program at no cost to the employee.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.

Education/Knowledge

Minimum Education Bachelor's Required Licenses/Certification

Research Assistant level is based on the education, training, and experience.

For a Research Assistant I, the position would require a bachelor's degree. Experience working in a biomedical laboratory setting preferred but not required. Training will be provided but experience in cell culture, molecular techniques, and general biomedical research lab techniques is preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant and recent experience and training, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

A Research Assistant II position requires a Master's degree in a related field. Experience working in a biomedical laboratory setting preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant and recent experience and training, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Skills Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of scientific, experimental and research techniques applicable to the area of science involved (i.e. physiology, cell and molecular biology, microbiology, pharmacology);

• Knowledge of the area of science in which the work is to be performed;

• Knowledge of contemporary research methods, data collection and analysis skill in their application;

• Skill in the use of highly complex laboratory/field instruments and equipment;

• Ability to rapidly learn protocols of assigned research projects including the ability to:

• Accurately observe and report research results, to review laboratory techniques in order to perform specialized tests;

• Prepare technical reports governing procedures and results of experimental design;

• Comprehend and execute complex oral and written commands relating to testing and research methods;

• Effectively operate min/micro-computers as may be utilized in conjunction with state-of-the-art research equipment, data collection and analysis, and/or report writing.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

Research Assistant I

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement written scientific protocols to conduct experiments, collect data, and write reports;
• Assist in maintaining a safe, clean laboratory setting by conducting experiments and other procedures according to established departmental and laboratory policies and procedures;
• Follow objectives and quality assurance, safety, environment and infection control standards;
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records on all experiments personally conducted and organize these records so that they can be retrieved by the investigator;
• Prepare reagents, media, and solutions in order to prepare/maintain specimens for analysis;
• Ensure responsible conduct of research and research integrity for all activities;
• Assist in performing various experiments including small laboratory animals and molecular techniques
• Follow all rules and regulations established for the safe operation of the laboratory and protection of staff, including all relevant training programs such as the Hazardous Waste Management Program;
• Conduct procedures as approved by regulatory committees (IRB, IACUC, IBC);
• Operate, calibrate for daily experiments, and clean and perform routine maintenance on standard laboratory equipment;
• Collaborate with other Research Assistants and assist the Supervisor of Science Building and Research Spaces as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Research Assistant II

General Duties and Responsibilities

In addition to duties and responsibilities of a Research Assistant I, the following:

• Perform a wide variety of physical, chemical or biological experiments utilizing simple to complex laboratory/field procedures with the responsibility for the modification of research methods and procedures;
• Perform statistical analysis for presentation to the investigator;
• Operate, calibrate for daily experiments, and clean and perform routine maintenance on specialized laboratory equipment;
• Assist in planning and performing experiments that utilize small laboratory animals
• Troubleshoot with manufacturer on lab equipment issues;
• Assist with drafting of protocols for regulatory review (IRB, IACUC, IBC, etc.)
• Demonstrate a wide variety of laboratory techniques and equipment to laboratory personnel, faculty, residents and students;
• Oversee, train and review the work of students as appropriate;
• Perform work independently utilizing judgement based on relevant technical expertise;
• Ensure that all laboratory/field activities are carried out in compliance with safety procedures for handling, storage and disposal of biohazardous, infectious, radioactive and toxic substances
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Required Experience

Posting Detail Information

Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions

WVSOM requires official transcripts of your highest degree earned and/or the degree in which qualifies you for the position. WVSOM requires these transcripts prior to an offer of employment, and we do recommend you send those to WVSOM once you have been selected for an interview. A transcript is official if it bears the authorizing signature and the official seal of the issuing institution and is sent directly by the school or college to the Office of Human Resources. Should your college or university provide this information electronically, we would ask that you submit that to Sherri Miller at smiller@osteo.wvsom.edu

Quick Link to Posting https://careers.wvsom.edu/postings/3494

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?

• Yes

• No

• Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship for employment at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine?

• Yes

• No

• Have you registered for the Selective Service? [To check your registration and to obtain official verification, please visit: https://www.sss.gov/Registration/Check-a-Registration/Verification-Form] West Virginia State Code requires that all men (born after December 31, 1959 and are between the ages of 18 and 25) register for the Selective Service to be eligible for employment with any state entity. WVSOM must ensure compliance with the Military Selective Service Act with all applicants and employees.

• Yes

• No

• Not Applicable (I am female or exempt from the registration requirement)

• What is the highest level of education you have attained?

• GED

• High School Diploma

• Associates Degree

• Bachelors Degree

• Masters Degree

• Ph.D.

• D.O./M.D.

• Do you have experience working for a West Virginia Higher Education institution?

• Yes

• No

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

(Open Ended Question)

Application Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation 1
• Letter of Recommendation 2
• Transcripts Undergraduate
• Transcripts Graduate
• Transcripts Other