UNIV-Postdoctoral Fellow-Department of Biochemistry

Job Description Summary

The MUSC Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology has an opening for a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Russell Spencer-Smith. Somatic driver mutations in the RAS-MAPK pathway occur in 30-40% of human cancers. However, this pathway is also a hotspot for germline mutations that cause a group of developmental syndromes called RASopathies. Through the study of these unique germline mutations the Spencer-Smith lab seeks to: 1) Identify new regulatory mechanisms and novel drug targets in frequent oncogenes, and 2) Repurpose cancer drugs that target RAS signaling pathways for the treatment of RASopathy patients. We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with experience in molecular biology techniques and (preferably) zebrafish developmental models to lead our studies of drug repurposing for the treatment of RASopathy syndromes. In this position you will conduct and design experiments, train and direct junior lab members, collect and analyze data, present your latest findings at group meetings, apply for grants/fellowships, and maintain detailed lab records.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC000954 COM BIOCHEM Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Description:

The MUSC Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology has an opening for a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Russell Spencer-Smith. Somatic driver mutations in the RAS-MAPK pathway occur in 30-40% of human cancers. However, this pathway is also a hotspot for germline mutations that cause a group of developmental syndromes called RASopathies. Through the study of these unique germline mutations the Spencer-Smith lab seeks to: 1) Identify new regulatory mechanisms and novel drug targets in frequent oncogenes, and 2) Repurpose cancer drugs that target RAS signaling pathways for the treatment of RASopathy patients. We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with experience in molecular biology techniques and (preferably) zebrafish developmental models to lead our studies of drug repurposing for the treatment of RASopathy syndromes. In this position you will conduct and design experiments, train and direct junior lab members, collect and analyze data, present your latest findings at group meetings, apply for grants/fellowships, and maintain detailed lab records.

MUSC Minimum Required Training and Experience:

PhD or Equivalent

Job Duties:

Perform experiments (35%): Growing, expanding, passaging and treating mammalian cell lines. Analysis of protein function in live cells using confocal imaging and NanoBRET protein-protein interaction assays. Analysis of cell lysates using immunoprecipitation, western blot and pull-down assays. Deriving primary fibroblast cell lines from patient skin biopsies. Preforming drug treatment and subsequent cell signaling analysis of both model cell lines and those derived from patients. Using CRISPR technology to knockout genes in cell lines. Performing subcloning and mutagenesis of protein expression constructs.

Training (25%): Undergo training in the techniques listed above along with all relevant procedures in the lab. Read and understand scientific literature from our group and other groups that is relevant to your project. Train and direct junior lab members. Participate in weekly one-on-one meetings with Dr. Spencer-Smith. Present your research project and latest findings at lab meetings. Attend relevant workshops, seminars and scientific conferences.

Analysis of data (15%): Process raw data, make relevant calculations, perform statistical analysis, and make graphs of data using excel/numbers and Prism software. Generate plasmid maps for mutagenesis and subcloning experiments using SnapGene. Image, analyze and quantify western blot data using ImageJ and ImageQuant software.

Record keeping (15%): Maintaining detailed records of all experiments performed. Upload all experimental writeups and data to your LabArchives notebook. Backing up all electronic data to OneDrive to avoid loss. Maintaining inventories of plasmids, primers and cells lines, and restocking as necessary. Writing and maintaining lab protocols and reagent lists when necessary.

Maintaining lab (10%): Ensuring that the lab and associated office space is clean and tidy. Ensuing that the lab space meets all required safety standards. Preparing lab buffers, reagents, agar plates and tissue culture media using sterile technique.

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: 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. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. 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 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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