Post Doctoral Fellow - Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Post Doctoral Fellow.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at West Virginia University's Health Sciences Center in Morgantown, WV. Our research focuses on the biochemistry and cell biology of metabolic enzymes, with particular emphasis on how enzyme structure, assembly, and spatial organization regulate metabolism. The selected candidate will lead independent and collaborative projects supported by our NIH R35 grant, using cell biological, biochemical, and imaging approaches to study the regulation and function of metabolic enzymes in mammalian cells.

Successful candidates should have strong experimental skills, excellent scientific communication, and exceptional documentation and organizational abilities to support both research and lab operations. A collaborative and team-oriented mindset is essential.

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)
* 24 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

• Conduct independent and collaborative laboratory research on the cell biology and biochemistry of metabolic enzymes.
• Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate trainees in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Maintain and manipulate mammalian cell cultures for imaging and biochemical analyses.
• Perform live-cell fluorescence microscopy, including spinning-disk confocal imaging.
• Analyze, interpret, and present quantitative data.
• Prepare manuscripts, figures, and presentations for publication and dissemination.
• Purify recombinant proteins for structural and functional studies.
• Contribute to a collaborative, organized, and supportive lab environment, working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  
  

• PhD in biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology or a related field.
• Candidates should have substantial hands-on wet-lab experience in the following:
  • Protein purification, enzymatic assays, and mammalian cell culture.
  • Experience with fixed- and live-cell fluorescence microscopy.
  • Strong background in experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and scientific writing.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
• The successful candidate may be permitted to begin employment prior to degree confirmation with a letter certifying the trainee has completed all requirements from their university.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to design and conduct experiments rigorously and independently.
• Strong technical, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to think creatively, show initiative, and approach problems with scientific curiosity.
• Willingness to assist in mentoring and training junior lab members.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Proven record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications.
• Motivation to pursue interdisciplinary research and engage with collaborators across related fields.
• Experience with experimental design, quantitative data analysis, critical thinking, and manuscript preparation.
• Experience with scientific presentation and figure preparation for conferences or publications.

• Bioinformatic skills and experience working with large genomic, proteomic, or transcriptomic datasets are considered an asset.

  Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in enzyme biochemistry or structural biology is highly desirable.

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.