Research Assistant I - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

Research Assistant I - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

Company: West Virginia University

Job Location:

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Description

The Department of Biochemistry at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant I.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated research technician to join our laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at West Virginia University's Health Sciences Center in Morgantown, WV. Our research focuses on the biochemistry and cell biology of metabolic enzymes, with particular emphasis on how enzyme structure, assembly, and spatial organization regulate metabolism.

The technician will contribute to ongoing research projects supported by NIH funding while also helping to maintain the daily operation of the laboratory. Responsibilities will include assisting with experiments using biochemical, cell biological, and imaging approaches, as well as laboratory organization, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and record-keeping.

Successful candidates should have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities. Good experimental practices, clear documentation, and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset are essential for supporting both research progress and laboratory operations.

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

• Assist with laboratory research.
• Maintain laboratory organization and operations, including ordering supplies, tracking inventory, and maintaining shared equipment.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and assist with cell-based experimental workflows for microscopy and biochemical analyses.
• Assist with live- and fixed-cell microscopy experiments.
• Perform biochemical and biophysical experiments, including protein structure/function assays.
• Record, organize, and assist in the analysis of experimental data, maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks and documentation.
• Support undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in experimental work while contributing to a collaborative and organized laboratory environment.
• Oversee laboratory safety and compliance.
• Prepare and maintain shared laboratory reagents and stocks, including buffers, media, and plasmid or protein inventories.
• Assist with preparation of figures, reports, and presentations related to ongoing research projects. Technicians who make significant scientific contributions will have the opportunity for authorship on resulting publications.

Pay Grade: 15

Qualifications

• BSc in biochemistry, cell biology, or equivalent. Degree requirements must be met prior to starting the position.
• 0-6 months prior experience working 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

• Knowledge of laboratory practices, safety procedures, and general laboratory equipment.
• Experience with basic biochemical and molecular biological techniques.
• Ability to prepare reagents, buffers, and laboratory solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accurate record-keeping.
• Ability to analyze experimental results and assist with data organization and figure preparation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common laboratory software applications.
• Strong technical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to learn new protocols quickly.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment with good communication skills.

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: Apr 9, 2026

Posting Classification: Classified

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Schedule: Full-time

Apply Now