Post-Doctorate Research Associate/ Lab Manager

Post-Doctorate Research Associate/ Lab Manager

Hilltop Center for Biomedical Research | West Liberty University

Anticipated Start Date: January 2027

Advance Biomedical Discovery. Mentor Future Scientists. Make an Impact.

West Liberty University, West Virginia's oldest public university, invites applications for a Laboratory Research Scientist to join the Hilltop Center for Biomedical Research within the Department of Biology.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate scientist to contribute to innovative, grant-funded biomedical research while helping shape the next generation of researchers. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team working in diverse areas of biomedical science, including:

• Microbial pathogenesis
• Antibiotic discovery and development
• Endocrine physiology
• Bone development and skeletal biology

Funded through the West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE), this position offers the opportunity to work alongside faculty investigators, mentor student researchers, and contribute to meaningful discoveries in a dynamic academic research environment.

Position Responsibilities

The Laboratory Research Scientist will play a key role in advancing ongoing research projects and supporting laboratory operations. Responsibilities include:

Research Leadership

• Design, plan, conduct, troubleshoot, and analyze biomedical research experiments.
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols.
• Interpret and present scientific findings.
• Contribute to publications, reports, presentations, and grant-related activities.

Student Mentorship

• Train and mentor undergraduate researchers.
• Guide students in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis.
• Foster best practices in research integrity, laboratory safety, and scientific professionalism.

Laboratory Management

• Maintain laboratory organization and efficiency.
• Manage laboratory inventories, equipment, reagents, and supplies.
• Coordinate purchasing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality assurance activities.
• Oversee maintenance of microbial cultures, cell cultures, and biological stocks.

Research Project Coordination

• Assist with managing multiple research projects simultaneously.
• Track milestones and research objectives.
• Coordinate resources, laboratory personnel, and project activities.
• Adapt research plans based on experimental findings and evolving priorities.

Animal Research Support

• Coordinate and participate in approved animal research activities.
• Monitor animal health and maintain required records.
• Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's degree or doctoral degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Microbiology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant laboratory research experience.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical laboratory methodologies.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Experience maintaining accurate laboratory records and research documentation.

Preferred

• Ph.D. in a biomedical or related scientific discipline.
• Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate or graduate researchers.
• Experience with cell culture, microbiological techniques, molecular biology, animal research, or related biomedical research methodologies.
• Experience in grant-funded research environments.

Application Requirements: 

• Letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness: course evaluations and sample syllabi
• Contact information for three professional references. 

This member is expected to participate in continuous improvement in the areas of teaching, professional development, and service to the University and community.  Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Why Join West Liberty University?

At West Liberty University, you'll become part of a close-knit academic community dedicated to student success and scholarly achievement. Employees enjoy a variety of benefits and campus perks, including:

• Approximately two days of annual leave per month
• 12-13 paid holidays per year
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Free access to campus wellness facilities
• Free admission to WLU events with your employee Topper Card
• Educational benefits for employees and eligible family members:
  • 100% undergraduate tuition waiver for eligible employees, spouses, and dependents
  • 50% graduate tuition waiver for eligible employees in select programs
  • 35% doctoral tuition waiver for eligible employees in select programs. 

Learn more about employee benefits: https://westliberty.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits

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Additional Information

West Liberty University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

Applicants requiring accommodations during the application process may contact Human Resources at hr@westliberty.edu. West Liberty University does not sponsor employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Final candidates must successfully complete a background screening.

West Liberty University is a tobacco-free campus.