UNIV - Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Medicine: Division of Cardiology

Job Description Summary

The candidate will have the opportunity to join a laboratory that is focused on the discovery of mechanisms mediating cardiovascular disease risk including the influence of immune cells on cardiovascular fibrosis and remodeling. A PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a relevant area of biomedical sciences is required.

The research will use a broad range of translational approaches including cell biology, molecular biology, and disease models. The position requires excellent skills in hands-on experience to plan and execute experiments, analyze and interpret data, and troubleshoot daily technical problems. The candidate must be able to work independently under minimal direct supervision; employ scientific rigor; possess critical thinking, decision-making, and organizational skills; and demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills. Responsibilities will include generating testable hypotheses and executing lines of investigation under the oversight of the PI within a collaborative team environment. The candidate must be willing to work with primary murine cells, murine samples, human samples, and human primary cell/tissue cultures. Must demonstrate a clear interest and self-motivation in the area of research and a commitment to the project.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC000966 COM DOM Cardiology CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

$0 - $0 - $0

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

25% - Conducting daily experiments to identify cellular and molecular mechanisms using animal and cellular models of disease. Develop primary cell culture models from human and mouse tissues to evaluate effects of mechanical and/or inflammatory stimuli on cellular gene expression, proliferation, and signaling pathways. Expertise in cell biology, sterile cell culture, assay development, qPCR, western blot, enzyme activity assays, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy is required. Additional biochemical, molecular, and cellular biology techniques such as working with co-cultures or 3D cultures and single-cell RNA sequencing are a plus.

25% - Evaluate outcomes of animal surgeries of heart disease, including functional assessments to determine physiological impacts of disease and novel therapies. Candidates must have an understanding of aseptic procedures and techniques required to develop a minimal competency in performance of survival surgery in rodents. While expertise in trans-aortic constriction surgery, osmotic pump implantation, and echocardiography are not required, the candidate must be willing to acquire these skills.

20% - Processing biofluid and tissue samples to identify biomarkers. Assist with MALDI mass spectrometry of samples, and perform ELISA, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy of these samples. While experience in mass spectrometry is not required, the candidate must be willing to acquire skills/knowledge in these areas. Expertise or a strong background in biostatistics is highly recommended.

20% - Analyzing data with appropriate statistical methods and presenting progress reports to the PI and collaborative research group. Presentation and dissemination of results at national or international conferences. Preparation of manuscripts, in consultation with the PI, for submission to peer-reviewed journals. Assisting the PI with grant preparations and supervision/training of students and laboratory staff. Candidate is expected to remain up-to-date with the scientific literature relevant to the research area, participate in a monthly journal club, and use sound evidence to inform experimental approaches and study design. Ultimately, the candidate is anticipated to develop an independent research project.

10% - Assisting with general laboratory administrative tasks to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget, including laboratory maintenance, resource organization, ordering of supplies, management of laboratory protocols and reports, and coordination with collaborators.

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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