Research Assistant

Research Assistant Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job Please see Special Instructions for more details. * Resume or CV emphasizing research or laboratory experience * A one-page cover letter describing your background, your interest in the position, and your long-term career goals, including how this position fits into those plans. Position Details Position Information Banner Position Number R10898 Position Title Research Assistant Classification Title MURC-Biological Scientists Department SOM-Family Comm. Health - RC5310 Job Description Job Description: The Childs Laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University is seeking a Research Assistant to join our team studying the neural mechanisms of addiction. This position is ideal for a recent graduate in biology or a related field who is interested in gaining research experience before applying to graduate, medical, or MD/PhD programs. A commitment of 1-2 years is preferred to allow sufficient time to train and to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects. However, a longer-term position may be possible for the right candidate. The Childs Laboratory investigates the neurobiology of drug-seeking and relapse, with a focus on the medial habenula, a critical brain region involved in motivation and addiction. Our research combines behavioral neuroscience and molecular approaches to understand how the medial habenula contributes to addiction. Research approaches in the lab include: * Rodent behavioral models of addiction * In vivo neural activity recording using fiber photometry * Viral and genetic tools for targeting defined cell populations * Molecular and epigenetic analyses (RNA-seq, RRBS, RTqPCR, ChIPqPCR, etc.) * Histology and fluorescence imaging * Statistical analysis of biological datasets Principal Responsibilities * The research assistant will work closely with Dr. Childs and other laboratory members to support ongoing projects. Responsibilities will include: * Conducting behavioral experiments in mice * Assisting with or learning surgical techniques in mice, including stereotaxic surgery and intravenous catheterization * Maintaining and monitoring experimental mouse colonies * Collecting and processing brain tissue for molecular analyses * Performing molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid extraction and qPCR preparation * Assisting with imaging experiments and data collection * Organizing experimental data and assisting with basic data analysis * Working collaboratively with other researchers in the lab Training and Mentorship This position offers extensive training in modern neuroscience techniques and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to ongoing research projects. Research assistants will receive mentorship in: * Experimental design * Data analysis and scientific interpretation * Scientific communication and career development * Research assistants who perform well will have opportunities to contribute intellectually to projects and may earn authorship on resulting publications Location MUSOM - Marshall University School of Medicine Salary Range Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity Required Qualifications Education * Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field. Experience * Some previous lab experience (e.g., undergraduate research, internships, or volunteering). Candidates must be comfortable working with mice. Preferred Qualifications Education Experience Experience with one or more of the following would be beneficial but is not required: * Rodent behavioral neuroscience * Mouse colony management * Surgical techniques in rodents * Molecular biology techniques * Histology or cryostat sectioning * Fluorescence microscopy or neural imaging * Data analysis in R or Python Posting Detail Information Posting Number MR0857 Open Date 03/17/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary * Resume or CV emphasizing research or laboratory experience * A one-page cover letter describing your background, your interest in the position, and your long-term career goals, including how this position fits into those plans. Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * * Do you have a Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field? * Yes * No Applicant Documents Required Documents * Cover Letter * CV or Resume Optional Documents Marshall University One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 Copyright 2020 Marshall University | An Equal Opportunity University | Accreditation | Consumer Information and Disclosures

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