UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Pharmacology & Immunology

Job Description Summary

The Mallah Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated detail-oriented and talented individual for a Staff Scientist I position to support ongoing neuroimmunology-related research. The laboratory investigates immune activation and neuroimmune interactions following traumatic brain injury (TBI) using experimental mouse models in combination with microscopy, cellular and molecular immune profiling, and behavioral analyses. The Staff Scientist I will contribute to funded projects in the lab and will be responsible for advancing research progress through experimental design, execution of studies, troubleshooting, and data analysis. The individual will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory members to advance multiple projects and generate high-quality data for publications and grant-supported research. This position is ideally suited for candidates with an advanced degree in biological science such as neuroscience, immunology, or a related field.

Entity: Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Worker Type: Employee Worker Sub-Type: Research Grant Cost Center: CC001034 COM PHARM Operations CCP Pay Rate Type: Salary Pay Grade: University-00 Pay Range: 0.00 - 0.00 - 0.00 Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Work Shift: Not Specified

Job Description: Staff Scientist I position Department: Department of Pharmacology and Immunology Laboratory: Laboratory of Dr. Khalil Mallah

Duties & Responsibilities

Animal procedures and behavioral studies (35%) Execute research activities in support of assigned projects with a primary focus on animal procedures and behavioral experimentation. Responsibilities include:

• Performing surgical procedures such as traumatic brain injury models.
• Conducting behavioral assays.
• Analyzing experimental data.
• Maintaining animal colonies.
• Harvesting tissues for downstream analyses.

Wet lab procedures and laboratory operations (35%) Conduct wet lab procedures of assigned research projects. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining.
• Microscopy.
• Flow cytometry.
• Cryosectioning of tissue.
• Analysis of experimental data using specialized software.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Preparing laboratory reagents.
• Managing inventory of reagents and aliquots.
• Overseeing equipment maintenance in collaboration with Research Specialists in the Mallah Lab.

Scientific communication and reporting (15%)

• Prepare initial drafts of manuscripts, abstracts, and progress reports.
• Create publication-quality figures, detailed methods, and draft sections of introductions, results, and discussions.
• Develop posters and other presentation materials for scientific meetings.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant scientific literature to support ongoing and future research efforts.

General laboratory support and organization (15%)

• Provide support for related projects within the lab and assist other personnel as needed.
• Responsibilities include training new and visiting lab members on standard protocols and procedures.
• Participate in lab meetings and project-specific meetings.
• Maintain accurate and organized documentation of records such as budgets, purchases, and laboratory notebooks.
• Assist the principal investigator in fostering a clean, collaborative, compliant, and efficient research environment.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• A PhD degree in biology or other natural life or health care science related to the assigned area of research.
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral experience.

Additional Preferred Experience and Training Requirements

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Can manage projects of moderate size with PI input.
• Experience in immunofluorescence, microscopy, and flow cytometry.
• Some experience in animal surgical methods and behavioral assays.

Physical Requirements Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section.

• Continuous (6-8 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/mobile.

• Ability to work indoors.

• Ability to fully use both hands/arms.

• Ability to reach in all directions.

• Possess good finger dexterity.

• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions.

• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function.

• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs. unassisted.

• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision corrected.

• Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand.

• Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance.

• Ability to match or discriminate between colors.

• Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects (depth perception).

• Good peripheral vision capabilities.

• Ability to maintain hearing acuity with correction.

• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.

• Ability to be qualified physically by medical personnel for respirator use initially and annually.

• Ability to work alone in isolated areas such as darkrooms.

• Computer literacy.

• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, and equipment as required.

• Frequent (2-6 hours per shift):

• Ability to climb stairs.

• Ability to bend at the waist.

• Ability to twist at the waist.

• Ability to perform pinching operations.

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders.

• Ability to lift objects up to 30 lbs. from floor level to height of 72 inches unassisted.

• Ability to lower objects up to 30 lbs. from height of 72 inches to floor level unassisted.

• Ability to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs. unassisted.

• Ability to lift objects up to 30 lbs. from floor level to height of 72 inches unassisted.

• Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes (i.e., spot coolers).

• Ability to work rotating shifts as required.

• Ability to work overtime as required.

• Infrequent (0-2 hours per shift):

• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.

If you like working with energetic, 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.

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-verifyemployees