UNIV-Research Specialist I-Dr. Koutalos' Lab-Department of Ophthalmology

Job Description Summary

The purpose of this Research Specialist position is to study the cellular and molecular basis of retinal health and disease using physiological and biochemical methods. The position requires work with animals and animal tissue, occasional work in a cramped space and in the dark under dim red light.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000988 COM Ophthalmology 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 Description:

The purpose of this Research Specialist position is to study the cellular and molecular basis of retinal health and disease using physiological and
biochemical methods. The position requires work with animals and animal tissue, occasional work in a cramped space and in the dark under dim red light.

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience 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.

Preferred Experience:

College courses in chemistry and in biological sciences preferred. Experience with animal research is preferred.

Job Duties:

20%-Prepare reagents, dissect eyes and obtain viable ocular tissue for physiological and biochemical measurements; prepare reagents, culture, treat, and harvest cells
for physiological and biochemical measurements.

20%-Carry out experiments with animals, ocular tissues, and cultured cells; use organic solvents to extract lipid and vitamin A metabolites from tissues and cells and
analyze the extracts with chromatography (HPLC, TLC) or with mass spectrometry; prepare tissue sections; perform immuno-staining of tissues and cells using
fluorescence microscope.

20%-Organize and analyze results of physiological and biochemical measurements with computer software (specialized imaging software, Excel, and other); maintain
experimental and animal records.

20%-Maintain equipment and tools used for experiments.

20%-Care and breeding of experimental animals; genotyping of experimental animals (with PCR).

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.

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