UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Medicine: Division of Rheumatology

Job Description Summary

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who recently graduated from an undergraduate program with a desire for research experience, including those planning to apply to medical school, graduate school, or an MD/PhD program. All necessary basic laboratory training will be provided. Responsibilities will include performing experiments in cell culture, working with mouse models of disease, and helping with general lab and animal room maintenance with the goal to progression to independent work.

In addition, the candidate will be responsible for processing human subject and mouse samples. General duties will include gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, ELISA, cell culture, DNA and RNA extraction, real-time PCR, etc. Duties will also include participating in laboratory discussions, organization, and regulatory procedures with progression to day-to-day management of activities. Maintenance of up-to-date, comprehensive, and neat laboratory records will be required.

Under supervision from the principal investigator, candidate will perform complex biological procedures and analyses in a basic science laboratory. All the experiments require meticulous technique and the ability to optimize and troubleshoot a variety of different protocols. They also require organization and detailed note keeping. The candidate will be expected to help prepare experimental results for presentation and publication. Will require occasional weekend work.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000975 COM DOM Rheumatology CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-04

Pay Range

32,686.00 - 46,578.50 - 60,471.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

20% - Perform variety of cell and molecular biological techniques, record data. Analyze experimental results using appropriate software; help prepare experimental results for presentation and publication. Develop and test new laboratory methods to meet changing needs; troubleshoot experimental protocols.

20% - Maintain mouse colony and perform experiments using mice and process and catalog human and mouse samples.

20% - Assist in culture of primary cells and cell lines.

20% - Maintain laboratory supplies; prepare media, buffers, and other reagents as needed. Keep complete laboratory records/notebook.

20% - Present experimental data in laboratory meetings and participate in discussion of the data.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred:

• Previous experience handling mice is optimal. Proficiency with computers and experience with spreadsheet, statistical, and graphical software are also preferred.

• Knowledge about small-volume fluid handling, tissue culture/sterile technique, and general cell, molecular, biochemical, and/or immunological methods is essential, and experience in these areas is desired. the successful applicant must be experienced in mouse handling and minor surgery, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting.

• The candidate should possess strong organizational and communication skills, a talent for managing diverse tasks, and an ability to work well in a team. Preference is for the applicant to commit 2 years to this job as the training is extensive.

• Candidate should be highly motivated, detail oriented, committed to excellence, and works well independently and with others. The ideal candidate will have a keen intellectual interest in the science behind the projects and a demonstrated commitment to increasing their background knowledge about their work. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for stated requirements.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science may be substituted for the two years of required experience.

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. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (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/cramped spaces. (Continuous) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both hands/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/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction. (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 counter tops, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/ Ability to lift 40 lbs. centrifuge rotors from floor level to height of 40 inches, then down 20 inches into centrifuge drum, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes, from floor level to maximum height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/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. (Continuous)

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 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-verify/employees