"Part-Time Research Assistant - Department of Physics and Astronomy"

Description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Part-time Research Assistant.

About the Opportunity

The Part-time Research Assistant will collaborate with chemists taking Native Mass Spectra for proteins and DNA. This position will analyze the resulting spectra to understand more about the structure of these macromolecules.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• Paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 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

• Collaborate with chemists taking Native Mass Spectra for proteins and DNA and other macromolecules.
• Develop, construct and model ion sources.
• Develop experimental protocols, and
• Develop analytical tools to better analyzing the resulting spectra to understand more about the structure of these macromolecules.
• Data Management and Sharing Plan for the grant.
• Data storage, backup, and dissemination.
• Oversee the efforts of graduate students in record keeping and data storage for the project.

Work Hours: 30 Hours per Week

Qualifications

• Master's degree in experimental condensed matter Physics or other related field of study.
• A minimum of 0-6 months experience in designing, performing experiments involving Mass Spectroscopy and analyzing the results.
• 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

• Expertise in general experimental techniques involving electronics and simple machining to fabricate phototype devices
• Computer programing using Python and MatLab to manipulate and analyze data.
• Familiarity in using finite element modeling to simulate mechanical thru molecular phenomena, and knowledge of machine learning.

Requirements

Physical Demands & Physical Coordination

• Lifting up to 30 lbs.

About WVU

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.

Job Posting: Dec 19, 2025

Posting Classification: Classified

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Schedule: Part-time