Research Assistant - Department of Neuroscience

The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant in the Department of Neuroscience.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated research assistant to join the laboratory of Dr. William Walker, located within the Health Science Center at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. The lab examines the mechanisms by which tumors alter the brain and how the CNS can alter tumor development. Particularly interested in applying well defined neuroscience concepts (e.g., circadian rhythms and chronotherapeutics) to cancer biology to improve cancer treatment and quality of life in cancer survivors. Current projects within the lab include: (1) examining the effects of chrono-chemotherapy treatment for brain metastases of breast cancer, (2) investigating whether chronotherapeutic treatment of cancers can improve cancer survivors' quality of life, and (3) examining the effects of timed CAR T-cell administration on anti-tumor efficacy in solid tumors.

Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment; design and monitor experiments, including animal studies; make observations; and calculate and record results. Manage animal colony; perform behavioral testing and analysis; collect, process, stain, and analyze brain tissue. Perform basic laboratory management tasks including monitoring inventory and assisting with ordering. Incumbent will assist students in laboratories. Serves as a resource contact relative to cancer neuroscience research. Independently uses professional concepts and organizational policies to solve a wide range of moderate to complex problems in imaginative and practical ways. Depth of skills, knowledge, and interpretive abilities, as well as some creativity, are required to successfully perform duties.

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)
* 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)
* 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

* Develops ideas for experimental design to be evaluated in laboratory meetings as is standard laboratory practice.
* Responsible for carrying out entire experiments or segments of experiments. Keeps detailed logs of all work-related activities.
* Conducts research or assists in the conduct of research, including RNA and DNA analysis, histological verification, cell and tissue imaging, and cell culture.
* Participates in lab discussions of data and experimental procedures. Will make presentations in laboratory meetings.
* Monitors laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
* Works with other laboratory personnel to design experiments.
* Isolates, identifies and prepares specimens for examination.
* Sets up, adjusts, calibrates, cleans, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory and field equipment.
* Reads literature and suggests new methods or procedures.
* Assists in writing technical reports.
* Cleans, maintains, and prepares supplies and work areas. Maintains laboratory inventory and orders supplies, as necessary.
* Maintains knowledge of professional principles, legal and/or reporting requirements affecting area of responsibility and adheres to industry and government standards.
* Maintains compliance with animal research protocols. Assists with modifications to animal protocols and submissions of protocol renewals.
* Assists and/or follows direction of manager for professional development and to determine course of customer service.

Pay Grade: 15

• Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology or a related field
• A minimum of 0-6 months of experience in the following:
  • Knowledge or experience in a research lab
• 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

• Strong skills at operating laboratory instrumentation.
• Strict attention to detail.
• Excellent skill in writing technical reports which are suitable for publication in professional journals.
• Skill in performing under the stress of frequent interruptions and/or distractions.
• Working knowledge of molecular biology, and biology.
• Working knowledge of laboratory protocols and procedures.
• Working knowledge of using laboratory equipment.
• Maintains skills in, or knowledge of, professional principles, legal and/or reporting requirements affecting area of responsibility.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
• Willingness to work with live rodents (i.e., mice)
• Ability to evaluate best practices from reading literature and suggest modification to existing laboratory procedures.
• Ability to understand purpose of research project and suggest new experimental designs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in groups and manage junior researchers.
  

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.