What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Scientist IV - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine position at West Virginia University?
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Scientist.
About The Opportunity
We are seeking a research scientist to join Dr. Rong Liu’s lab, in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine at West Virginia University. This position focuses on investigating the roles and mechanisms of molecular motor proteins in human sensory processes. It offers an exciting opportunity to utilize cutting-edge single-molecule techniques and high-resolution microscopy to understand the biophysics of sensory motors, their impact on cytoskeletal dynamics, and how defects in these motor proteins lead to human sensory diseases such as vision and hearing loss. The research will involve a multidisciplinary approach integrating modern recombinant protein expression, quantitative imaging, and iPSC-derived sensory neurons, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets for motor-related vision and hearing diseases.
The successful candidate will conduct independent research, collaborate within the team and with other scientists in the field, and play a supervisory role within the group. The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience.
Benefits
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
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 11, 2026
Posting Classification
Non-Classified
Exemption Status
Exempt
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Schedule
Full-time
About The Opportunity
We are seeking a research scientist to join Dr. Rong Liu’s lab, in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine at West Virginia University. This position focuses on investigating the roles and mechanisms of molecular motor proteins in human sensory processes. It offers an exciting opportunity to utilize cutting-edge single-molecule techniques and high-resolution microscopy to understand the biophysics of sensory motors, their impact on cytoskeletal dynamics, and how defects in these motor proteins lead to human sensory diseases such as vision and hearing loss. The research will involve a multidisciplinary approach integrating modern recombinant protein expression, quantitative imaging, and iPSC-derived sensory neurons, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets for motor-related vision and hearing diseases.
The successful candidate will conduct independent research, collaborate within the team and with other scientists in the field, and play a supervisory role within the group. The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience.
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 (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
- Conducting experimental research to characterize motor proteins in a reduced reconstituted system and in live cellular environments.
- Collaborating with team members to interpret data, generate hypotheses, and design follow-up experiments.
- Summarizing research findings and drafting manuscripts for publication.
- Presenting research findings at conferences and seminars.
- Mentoring students and junior trainees.
- PhD degree in life sciences or related field is required.
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience in biomedical research or a related field
- One or more first-author peer-reviewed academic paper(s) are required.
- Experience working with purified proteins and modern fluorescent microscopy is highly desirable.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
- Strong background in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, iPSCs, or cellular mechanisms in vision and hearing processes.
- Experiences with microscopy and high-throughput image quantification and data analysis.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Excellent communication skills and a track record of scientific productivity (publications, conference presentations).
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 11, 2026
Posting Classification
Non-Classified
Exemption Status
Exempt
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Schedule
Full-time