Research Assistant - Department of Physiology and Toxicology

The Department of Physiology and Toxicology at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant position.

About the Opportunity

This position performs duties associated with rodent inhalation exposures in the WVU Inhalation Facility and in the lab in collaboration with the principal investigator. The employee designs, implements, and controls inhalation exposures within the lab and trains others in techniques related to the investigation of mechanisms through which pulmonary exposure to a variety of simple and/or complex aerosols causes adverse health effects. In addition to possessing skills relevant to current research techniques, the employee is expected to proactively acquire new skills to increase efficiency in research endeavors and remain current in the field.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

What You'll Do

• Supervises and participates in the activities in the PI's wet lab and Inhalation Facility. Communicates with collaborating research professionals at WVU, the Center for Inhalation Toxicology (iTOX), and other research institutions to share pertinent data and materials. Schedules and designates areas and resources for research to be performed; identifies/states appropriate protocols and/or standard operating procedures. Makes technical arrangements for major research experiments and projects for PI, laboratory personnel, and collaborators. Guides, troubleshoots, and assists collaborators, research fellows, students, and research staff, providing expertise and training in aerosol generation/characterization, methodology, scientific equipment operation, and inhalation exposures in iTOX and the PI's research program.
• Independently plans and performs small animal (rat and mouse) inhalation exposures to subsequently harvest tissues for in vitro assays and/or in vivo experiments. Conducts research techniques such as aerosol generation, aerosol characterization, combustion pellet fabrication and inhalation exposures, requiring use of judgment in determining appropriate procedures and interpretation of results. Independently utilizes aerosol generation/exposure equipment, computers and software to perform complex inhalation toxicology exposures.
• Establishes, documents, and banks with ash collected from combustion exposures in PI's research program. Makes ash bank database available to all collaborators of the PI (internal and external) and provides ash when requested. Establishes, documents, and maintains engineered nanomaterials bank with nanomaterials commercially purchased, created by collaborators, or donated by private entities associated with the PI's research program. Makes nanomaterial database available to all collaborators for the PI (internal and external) and provides nanomaterials when requested. Reviews and establishes current knowledge of Federal and State laws that govern maintaining such banks, and transportation of associated ash or materials to collaborators of the PI.
• Maintains inventory of laboratory chemicals and supplies in the Inhalation Facility. Interacts independently with Departmental/Center administrative personnel to discuss appropriate procedures regarding the purchase of and payment for equipment, supplies, maintenance agreements, etc. Schedules service contracts, maintenance, and repairs for all laboratory equipment. Troubleshoots and identifies equipment in need of maintenance or repair (data quality control).
• Reviews research journals, abstracts, and related scientific literature and information germane to the PI's research program. Develops, improves, and advances scientific procedures and/or techniques established in the Inhalation Facility. Authors articles, abstracts, and papers on unique laboratory research published in Federal or professional position statements or national/international peer-reviewed publications. Attends and participates in required meetings, seminars, and committees as directed by PI.
• Ensures laboratory compliance with all Department, Center and WVU policies, procedures and objectives. Reviews safety procedures for WVU and monitors handling, storage, and disposal of biohazardous, infectious, radioactive and toxic substances and equipment, ensuring all laboratory activities are in compliance. Ensures all certifications for PI's facilities and laboratory members are current (e.g. Laboratory Safety, Environmental Health, CITI, and Radiation Safety trainings).

• Master's degree.
• A minimum of 0-6 months of experience.
• 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

• Thorough knowledge of contemporary research and laboratory methodology, data collection and analysis (e.g. laboratory techniques, calculations, aerosol generation/characterization, inhalation exposure).
• Thorough knowledge of aerosol generation/engineering and toxicology.
• Thorough knowledge of the clinical and translational potential values of the laboratory animal experiments performed in the PI's research program.
• Thorough knowledge and proficiency in the style of research reporting and manuscript preparation employed by the PI (e.g. Federal and private agencies and professional scientific journals).
• Skill and consistent proficiency in the operation of complex instrumentation and unique scientific equipment in the PI's research program.
• Ability to design inhalation toxicology assessments germane to the PI's research program.
• Ability to effectively communicate with other research professionals, collaborators, and students, both orally and in writing, to include complex commands related to testing and research methods in the PI's research program.
• Ability to participate in the evaluation and interpretation of experimental results, techniques and procedures. Ability to devise new and improved approaches in response to these evaluations and interpretations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with internal and external research personnel.
• Ability to supervise and train subordinate research staff and individuals associated with the PI. This includes WVU employees, research assistant professors, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students and high school students.
• Organizational skills for oversight of research projects.
• Reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in standard Windows based computer software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerosol engineering and/or inhalation technology.
• Experience working in a scientific field, such that the applicant will be familiar with the nature of a working lab.
• Experience with inhalation exposures.
• Experience with aerosol generation and characterization.

• 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, visitwvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, geneticinformation, or Veteran status.