Research Assistant I - Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant I position.

About the Opportunity

The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute is seeking a Research Assistant I for the Preclinical Focused Ultrasound Lab. This role will support projects related to therapeutic focused ultrasound used to treat substance use disorder and other neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. The lab is developing animal models to study safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of therapeutic focused ultrasound in the brain, supporting ongoing clinical research in this modality at the RNI. Methods include in vivo electrophysiology, histology, and immunohistochemistry.

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 (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

• Establish and administer day-to-day laboratory operations including: ensuring safety compliance, maintaining proper operation of research equipment, inventory and ordering of required supplies, and general housekeeping
• Perform day-to-day laboratory research activities such as: animal surgeries and injections; daily observations of animal health; collection of biological specimens; electrophysiological recording; histopathological processing and immunofluorescence of mouse tissues; behavioral testing.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, data, and inventory using lab notebooks and digital systems.
• Ensure compliance with institutional animal care protocols and assist with IACUC documentation and renewals.
• Test and maintain ultrasound equipment.
• May be assigned independent project(s) and participate in the design of research studies, compile and analyze research data

Pay Grade: 15

• Bachelor's degree in biology, Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field.
• A minimum of 0-6 months of experience in the following:
  
  
  
  • Neuroscience or biology research lab setting.
  • Experience working with rodents in a laboratory setting is strongly preferred.
  
  
  
  
• 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

• General knowledge of the principles and practices of natural/biological sciences.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to wear and work in personal protective equipment.
  
• Ability to transport and stock laboratory supplies.
• Ability to work with biohazardous materials and hazardous chemicals, successfully complete applicable safety training, and potentially undergo related medical monitoring.

• This position may require Medical Monitoring, including periodic health monitoring and/or training.

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.