UNIV- Research Specialist I- Department of Regenerative Medicine

Job Description Summary

The research specialist will work under general supervision by the PI and Lab manager and will be part of a basic science research laboratory that focuses on molecular genetics of cardiac diseases and stem cell biology. The position requires motivated, well-organized individuals with excellent communication skills. Researchers with previous experiences in tissue cell culture and molecular biology are encouraged to apply.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC001062 COM REG MED Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-04

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Description:

The research specialist will work under general supervision by the PI and Lab manager and will be part of a basic science research laboratory that focuses on molecular genetics of cardiac diseases and stem cell biology.  The position requires motivated, well-organized individuals with excellent communication skills. Researchers with previous experiences in tissue cell culture and molecular biology are encouraged to apply.

Job Duties:

Independently perform basic molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA isolation form cells, genomic DNA PCR and restriction enzyme digestion, quantitative RT-PCR analysis, DNA cloning and plasmid constructions, and gel electrophoresis analysis of DNA. Essential 35%

Independently perform tissue culture techniques including maintenance of the human pluripotent stem cell lines, cardiac differentiation of wild type and mutant pluripotent stem cells, and genome editing of the stem cells to introduce point mutations by CRISPR techniques. Essential 35%

Independently perform protein analysis including preparation of cell lysate and cell membrane fractions, protein gel electrophoresis, and western blot analysis of wild type and mutant cell lysates. Essential 20%

Perform basic lab maintenance responsibilities including glassware washing, solution making and laboratory organization. Essential 10%

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Additional Knowledge, Skill and Ability: Previous laboratory experiences with tissue cell culture and molecular biology are preferred.

Physical Requirements:

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.

Additional Job Description

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.

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