Research Assistant - Department of Ophthalmology

The Department of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant position.

About the Opportunity

Dr. Joel Palko is an assistant professor in the department of ophthalmology at the West Virginia University School of Medicine. He is a fellowship trained glaucoma surgeon with a wide range of research interests. Dr. Palko’s basic science lab focuses on the role of ocular blood flow and ocular biomechanics in diseases such as glaucoma. To this end, Dr. Palko’s lab utilizes the latest in high-frequency ultrasound technology (Vevo F2 system) and custom ultrasound localization microscopy and elastography methods to measure ocular blood flow and scleral biomechanics, respectively. The lab is currently NIH funded and is primarily focused on how manipulations of scleral biomechanics and ocular blood flow influence glaucoma disease progression. 

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)
•    15 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%25 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

•    Handling animal models of glaucoma
•    Preparing for in vivo imaging experiments
•    Tissue dissections
•    Optic nerve histology preparation and imaging
•    Experimentation using high-frequency ultrasound 
•    Use and further development of custom Matlab code
•    Opportunity for clinical/translational research if desired.
•    Preparation of manuscripts 
•    Document, analyze and present experimental results and discuss findings.

Pay Grade:15

• Bachelor's degree in science field.
• A minimum of 0-6 months experience in the following:
  • Handling small animal models
  • Publication writing experience
  • Familiarity with histology
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.

• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
   

  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

   

   

• Ability to take initiative on projects and problem-solve
• Attention to detail, strong organization skills
• Ability to write manuscripts for publication