Job Description Summary
The Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Specialist I to join the laboratory of Dr. Ting Gong. The Gong laboratory focuses on basic and translational research in dermatology, including skin biology, cutaneous disease models, and molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory dermatoses, wound healing, and tumorigenesis.
The Research Specialist I will work under general supervision and will support ongoing laboratory research by performing routine molecular, cellular, and histological techniques, assisting with animal studies, and contributing to laboratory organization, safety, and regulatory compliance. This position provides hands-on research experience in a collaborative academic environment.
Medical University of South Carolina MUSC - UnivWorker TypeEmployeeWorker Sub-TypeResearch GrantCost CenterCC000961 COM Dermatology CCPay Rate TypeHourlyPay GradeUniversity-04Pay Range33339.00 - 47509.00 - 61680.000Scheduled Weekly Hours40Work Shift
Job Description
Job Duties
Laboratory Research Perform routine laboratory experiments under supervision, including mammalian cell culture, Western blotting, PCR, RT-qPCR, histological staining, H&E, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and multiplex immunofluorescence. Prepare samples for molecular, protein, and imaging analyses in accordance with established protocols.
Animal Research Support Assist with mouse husbandry and colony maintenance, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, and record keeping. Support dermatology-related animal studies and assist with animal procedures, tissue collection, processing, and sample storage, in compliance with approved IACUC protocols.
Laboratory Management and Operations Support daily laboratory operations by preparing reagents and buffers, maintaining inventories, ordering and receiving laboratory supplies, and organizing laboratory space. Assist with routine maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure efficient laboratory function.
Laboratory Safety and Compliance Follow MUSC laboratory safety and environmental health policies. Assist in maintaining laboratory SOPs, chemical inventories, SDS documentation, and biosafety records. Support regulatory compliance activities, including IACUC and IBC documentation as needed.
Data Analysis Communication & Research Support Assist with data organization, basic statistical analysis, figure preparation, and interpretation of experimental results. Contribute to laboratory meetings, presentations, and scientific discussions. Support manuscript preparation, grant-related documentation, and collaborative projects with core facilities and other research groups.
Minimum Requirements
A high school diploma and two years of work experience in a clinical or research setting, or 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
The following descriptions are applicable to this section:
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. Frequent Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. Continuous Ability to perform job functions while walkingmobile. Frequent Ability to climb using step stool. Infrequent Ability to work in temperature extremes 32° F to 100° F when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries. Infrequent Ability to work in confined or cramped spaces. Continuous Ability to bend at the waist. Frequent Ability to twist at the waist. Frequent Ability to fully use both hands and arms. Continuous Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Frequent Ability to fully use both legs. Frequent Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend while moving items and materials from both sitting and standing positions. Continuous Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs. unassisted. Infrequent Ability to lift and carry 4-liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet unassisted. Frequent Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet unassisted. Infrequent Ability to lift file boxes from floor level to countertops unassisted. Frequent Ability to push and pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level. Frequent Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops 50 lbs. or greater unassisted. Frequent Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. Continuous Ability to maintain 20/40 vision corrected in one eye or with both eyes. Continuous Ability to match or discriminate between colors normally. Continuous Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems. Continuous Ability to hear and/or understand conversations. Continuous Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. Continuous 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.
If you like working with energetic and enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us.
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.
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