UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Biochemistry

Job Description Summary

The department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a motivated and collegial Research Specialist in the laboratory of Dr. Jennifer Stancill. The lab focuses on pancreatic beta-cells which secrete insulin in response to an increase in blood sugar and are damaged or destroyed during the progression of diabetes. The lab works in vitro mammalian cell culture ex vivo mouse and human tissues and in vivo mouse models. Experimental techniques we use include qPCR SDS PAGE western blot ELISA plate reader assays and fluorescence microscopy among others. While experience in these systems and techniques is welcome, hands-on training will be provided for all required tasks. More information about the Stancill lab can be found on the lab website https://stancilllab.owlstown.net

Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

• UnivWorker Type: Employee
• Worker Sub-Type: Research Grant
• Cost Center: CC000954 COM BIOCHEM
• Operations: CCP
• Pay Rate Type: Hourly
• Pay Grade: University-04
• Pay Range: $33,399.00 - $47,509.00 - $61,680.00

Job Description

The research specialist will work under general supervision of the PI to conduct laboratory experiments, maintain mouse colonies and cell lines, and organize laboratory supplies. The position requires a motivated, well-organized individual with excellent communication skills.

Additional Knowledge, Skill, Ability Preferred

Previous experience in mouse husbandry and handling and tissue culture are preferred but not required. Training will be provided if applicant has no prior experience in these techniques.

Guideline and Supervision

Must have the ability to think creatively and work independently as well as part of a team.

Job Duties

• Mouse Handling and Experimentation • Assist in isolation of pancreatic islets from mice. • Assist in maintenance of mouse colonies, setting up breeding pairs, weaning, ear tagging, genotyping, etc.
• Basic Biochemical and Molecular Biology Experiments • RNA isolation • cDNA synthesis • Quantitative PCR analysis • Protein isolation • SDS PAGE • Western blotting • Fluorescence and absorbance-based plate reader assays, etc.
• Mammalian Tissue Culture • Grow, maintain, expand, and treat mammalian cell lines. • Culture and treat mouse pancreatic islets.
• Management of Laboratory Activities and Supplies • Order, organize, and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies. • Prepare common laboratory reagents. • Ensure the laboratory is clean and operational. • Maintain the laboratory in a safe and clean condition.
• Laboratory Record-Keeping • Prepare daily records of experiments and results. • Maintain organized records of laboratory procedures and protocols.
• Additional Duties Assigned by the Principal Investigator • Collaborations with internal and external colleagues. • Performing other tasks to maintain smooth operation of the laboratory.

Minimum Requirements

• A high school diploma and two years of work experience in a clinical or research setting.
• A bachelors degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural life or health care science may be substituted for the two years of required experience.

Physical Requirements

• Continuous: 6-8 hours per shift
• Frequent: 2-6 hours per shift
• Infrequent: 0-2 hours per shift
• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position.
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position.
• Ability to perform job functions while walking or mobile.
• Ability to climb using a step stool.
• Ability to work in temperature extremes (32°F to 100°F) when required.
• Ability to work in confined or cramped spaces.
• Ability to bend at the waist.
• Ability to twist at the waist.
• Ability to fully use both hands and arms.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
• Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs. unassisted.
• Ability to lift and carry 4-liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet unassisted.
• Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet unassisted.
• Ability to push and pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level.
• Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops (50 lbs. or greater) unassisted.
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision corrected in one eye or with both eyes.
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors normally.
• Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems.
• Ability to hear and/or understand conversations.
• Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc.
• Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use initially and annually.

Additional New Requirements

• Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, and equipment as required.

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family, or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit, and business need. Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify-employees