What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Scientist - Department of Biology position at West Virginia University?
The Department of Biology in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Scientist.
About The Opportunity
This position will operate and manage all molecular laboratory aspects of our statewide wastewater testing program, including regular routine sample testing, troubleshooting, managing laboratory supplies, and related tasks. The Research Scientist will be responsible for uninterrupted laboratory operations and report directly to the Program Director. They will collaborate on reports, manuscripts, and other deliverables as required by our wastewater testing grant. They will develop new workflows in response to leadership requests to onboard new wastewater targets. They will lead research efforts involving novel questions around the use of wastewater testing.
Benefits
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
Physical Demands & Physical Coordination
Biology lab bench work, either standing or sitting Moving small boxes (
About WVU
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.
Job Posting
May 15, 2026
Posting Classification
Non-Classified
Exemption Status
Exempt
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Schedule
Full-time
About The Opportunity
This position will operate and manage all molecular laboratory aspects of our statewide wastewater testing program, including regular routine sample testing, troubleshooting, managing laboratory supplies, and related tasks. The Research Scientist will be responsible for uninterrupted laboratory operations and report directly to the Program Director. They will collaborate on reports, manuscripts, and other deliverables as required by our wastewater testing grant. They will develop new workflows in response to leadership requests to onboard new wastewater targets. They will lead research efforts involving novel questions around the use of wastewater testing.
Benefits
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 or more based on years of service (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
- Laboratory sample analysis through digital and droplet digital PCR (and associated protocols).
- Operation of testing laboratory, including ordering supplies, troubleshooting protocols, recommending actions to the Director, oversight of student interns and other group members.
- Development of new workflows for program targets (pathogens, biomarkers) as identified by program leadership.
- Leadership of small groups built around relevant research topics, including the prototyping of novel methodologies for wastewater testing and data analysis.
- Preparation of reports and manuscripts as required by our grant(s).
- Ph.D. in biology, molecular biology, or related field.
- A minimum of one (1) year of experience involving high-throughput digital PCR, QX and/or Qiacuity systems
- A minimum of three (3) years of experience in each of the following:
- Genome sequencing, ONT and/or Illumina platforms (library preparation through data interpretation)
- Work within biosafety cabinet or PCR workstation environments
- Work with biosafety level 2 pathogens
- Bioinformatics on HPC (cluster) environments
- Data analysis & visualization using R
- Experimental design and troubleshooting
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
- Advanced biology bench techniques, including quantitative PCR and digital PCR; high-throughput genome sequencing; sample quality control protocols (e.g., Agilent TapeStation; Qubit).
- Demonstrated time management skills, including ability to meet regular deadlines.
- Data analysis using R; data processing and analysis using HPC platforms (especially conda or related systems).
- Effective communication of laboratory results across a spectrum of audiences, including general public, public health officials, and subject matter experts.
- Interpersonal skills, particularly mentoring students and oversight of peer groups.
Physical Demands & Physical Coordination
About WVU
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.
Job Posting
May 15, 2026
Posting Classification
Non-Classified
Exemption Status
Exempt
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Schedule
Full-time