Job Description

Position Information

Banner Position Number R10953 Position Title Research Assistant Classification Title MURC-Market/Survey Researchers Department SOM-BioMedical Science - RC5130 Job Description

We are currently seeking a self-motivated and highly organized research assistant to support the lab of Dr. Price E. Dickson at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. The Dickson Laboratory investigates the genetic drivers of drug addiction using the following approaches:

• Behavioral neuroscience
• Behavioral genetics
• Systems genetics
• Recombinant inbred mouse panels
• Operant conditioning
• Intravenous drug self-administration
• Machine learning approaches for analysis of mouse behavior
• Omics approaches including bulk, single-cell, and spatial RNA-seq
• Bioinformatics analysis of omics data
• Calcium imaging techniques including fiber photometry and miniaturized microscopes

Principal Responsibilities

• Behavioral testing of mice
• Learning and implementing surgical techniques in the laboratory mouse including intravenous jugular catheterization and stereotaxic surgery
• Maintaining a colony of experimental mice (~200 cages)
• Tissue harvesting and preparation of tissue samples for sequencing
• Wet lab techniques
• Cryostat techniques
• Coordinating these tasks with a team of technicians, doctoral students, and research scientists

Experience with the following techniques would be beneficial but is not required

• Research experience using mice or rats
• Previous experience with one or more of the techniques used in Dr. Dickson’s laboratory
• Building and troubleshooting computer workstations in both Windows and Linux environments
• AI-assisted computer programming in Python or R
• Computer-aided design (CAD) using Autodesk Fusion or similar software
• Coordinating fabrication of CAD designs through Xometry or comparable vendors
• Light machining and fabrication of plastic or aluminum components using tools such as a CNC router, lathe, or 3D printer.

Application Instructions

Please attach the following information as part of your application:

• Résumé or CV emphasizing prior research experience
• Cover letter that touches briefly on your background, your interest in this position, and why you think you would be an ideal fit

Location OTHR - Other Off-Campus Location Salary Range Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, or a related field is required

Experience

No prior experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• A master’s degree would be beneficial but is not required.

Experience

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number MR0922 Open Date 09/29/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary

Application Instructions

Please attach the following information as part of your application:

• Résumé or CV emphasizing prior research experience
• Cover letter that touches briefly on your background, your interest in this position, and why you think you would be an ideal fit