(Hybrid) Research Assistant - Department of Medical Oncology

The Department of Medical Oncology at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Research Assistant I position.

About the Opportunity

The WVU Cancer institute is seeking applicants for a dedicated and highly motivated Research Assistant I. Join Dr. Emadi's research team in exploring how cancers develop and resist treatment. We specialize in translational cancer pharmacology with a focus on targeting metabolic weaknesses and DNA repair pathways in blood cancers and solid tumors.

We combine lab techniques and animal models to discover and test new treatments for conditions like AML, ALL, pancreatic, lung, and brain cancers. Our team values hands-on, interdisciplinary work that brings together cancer biology, experimental drug development, and in vivo modeling.

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 benefit
• 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

• In the Lab (In Vitro):
  * Culture and maintain cancer cell lines
  * Treat cells with experimental drugs and run viability assays
  * Analyze cell growth, death, and protein/RNA activity
  * Perform genetic editing (CRISPR, siRNA), microscopy, and flow cytometry
  * Use tools like Western blot, qPCR, immunofluorescence
• With Animal Models (In Vivo):
  * Handle immunocompromised and standard mice following IACUC guidelines
  * Administer drugs via various injection methods and monitor anesthesia
  * Implant and track tumors using imaging and clinical assessment
  * Collect blood and tissues for analysis (e.g., bone marrow, liver, spleen)
  * Conduct surgical procedures, necropsies, and tissue processing
• Growth & Collaboration
  * Participate in WVU and national training programs
  * Contribute to manuscripts, grant proposals, and conference presentations

Pay Grade: 15

• Bachelor's degree in biology, health sciences, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 0-6 months of post-graduate research experience in the following:
  
  
  
  • Molecular biology and cancer related studies.
  • Proficiency in key lab assays (e.g. PCR, Western blot, flow cytometry)
  • Experience working with mice and handling sterile technique
  • Proven ability to guide trainees and manage research independently
  
  
  
  
• 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

• Independent, detail-oriented researcher
• Solid understanding of lab safety and scientific protocols
• Strong communication and data analysis skills
• Effective team collaborator and capable mento
• Experienced in scientific writing and project leadership

• 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.