Qureos Mentor

Marshall University

<div><div><b>Job Description:</b><br>
</div><div>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.<br>
</div><div>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&ndash;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.<br>
</div><div>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.<br>
</div><div><b>Research approaches in the lab include:</b></div><ul>
<li>Rodent behavioral models of addiction</li>
<li>In vivo neural activity recording using fiber photometry</li>
<li>Viral and genetic tools for targeting defined cell populations</li>
<li>Molecular and epigenetic analyses (RNA-seq, RRBS, RTqPCR, ChIPqPCR, etc.)</li>
<li>Histology and fluorescence imaging</li>
<li>Statistical analysis of biological datasets</li></ul><p></p><div><br>
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</div><div><b>Principal Responsibilities</b></div><ul>
<li>The research assistant will work closely with Dr. Childs and other laboratory members to support ongoing projects. Responsibilities will include:</li>
<li>Conducting behavioral experiments in mice</li>
<li>Assisting with or learning surgical techniques in mice, including stereotaxic surgery and intravenous catheterization</li>
<li>Maintaining and monitoring experimental mouse colonies</li>
<li>Collecting and processing brain tissue for molecular analyses</li>
<li>Performing molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid extraction and qPCR preparation</li>
<li>Assisting with imaging experiments and data collection</li>
<li>Organizing experimental data and assisting with basic data analysis</li>
<li>Working collaboratively with other researchers in the lab</li></ul><div><br>
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Training and Mentorship</b></div><div>
This position offers extensive training in modern neuroscience techniques and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to ongoing research projects. Research assistants will receive mentorship in:</div><ul>
<li>Experimental design</li>
<li>Data analysis and scientific interpretation</li>
<li>Scientific communication and career development</li>
<li>Research assistants who perform well will have opportunities to contribute intellectually to projects and may earn authorship on resulting publications</li>
</ul>Location MUSOM - Marshall University School of Medicine Salary Range Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity
<div><div>Required Qualifications
</div><p></p><div><div><div><div><b>Education</b></div>
<div><ul><li>Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in biology or a related field.</li></ul></div><br>
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<div><div><b>Experience</b></div>
<div><ul><li>Some previous lab experience (e.g., undergraduate research, internships, or volunteering). Candidates must be comfortable working with mice.</li></ul><p></p><div><br>
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</div></div></div><div><div>Preferred Qualifications
</div><p></p><div><div><div><div><b>Education</b></div>
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<div></div><div><div><b>Experience</b></div>
<div><div>Experience with one or more of the following would be beneficial but is not required:</div><ul>
<li>Rodent behavioral neuroscience</li>
<li>Mouse colony management</li>
<li>Surgical techniques in rodents</li>
<li>Molecular biology techniques</li>
<li>Histology or cryostat sectioning</li>
<li>Fluorescence microscopy or neural imaging</li>
<li>Data analysis in R or Python</li>
</ul></div></div><br>
</div></div></div><div>Posting Detail Information
</div><p></p>Posting Number MR0857 Open Date 03/17/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary
<ul><li>Resume or CV emphasizing research or laboratory experience</li>
<li>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.</li></ul></div><p></p>

Research Assistant

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Research Assistant