Research Technician - Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology

The Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a Research Technician position.

About the Opportunity

The position will support multiple vaccinology-immunology-microbiology-related projects within the West Virginia University, Vaccine Development Center in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology. The position will perform daily functions to support multiple research projects and laboratory work, following established laboratory procedures. This will include supporting animal model studies which will require handling research animals. This position will report to Dr. Heath Damron, Associate Professor, Director Vaccine Development Center.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks

What You'll Do

• Prepares specimens, reagents, media, solutions, and will prepare all collections tubes and labels as necessary per experimental set up.
• Will be involved in research experiments that may include the use of mice and rats.
• Will be involved in research experiments that involve bacteria and mammalian cell culture.
• Cleans, organizes, and maintains laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Performs established procedures for handling, storage, and disposal of biohazard substances. Maintains laboratory inventories and supplies, equipment, records, and files.
• Production, purification and analysis of monoclonal antibodies.
• Perform tasks associated with mRNA production pipeline including plasmid preparations, IVT reactions/purification, nucleic acid quantification and quality assays, and lipid nanoparticle packaging.

• Bachelor's degree in a health-related field.
• A minimum of 0-6 months in the following:
  
  
  
  • Hands-on research experience in a microbiology/immunology laboratory setting.
  
  
  
  
• 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

• Ability to read and write in English and perform basic mathematical calculations. Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to learn laboratory duties, methods, procedures, and safety principles. Ability to maintain proper attendance and punctuality standards.
• Ability to learn operation of laboratory instrumentation.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of standard laboratory equipment usage.
• Ability to follow laboratory protocols, and procedures.
• Ability to understand basics of chemicals and their interactions, warning labels, and disposal methods.
• Ability to gather, understand and implement technical protocols.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts in order to calculate proportions, percentages, and volumes (e.g. making routine buffers).
• Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload.
• Ability to work independently to complete assigned projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with protein and nucleic acid purification via chromatography preferred.

• This position may or may not require Medical Monitoring, including periodic health monitoring and/or training.

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.