UNIV-Research Specialist II-DLAR

Job Description Summary

Provide training and oversight to include but not limited to DLAR employees and research staff as it pertains to animal facility use.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Classified

Cost Center

CC001152 DLAR Division Of Laboratory Animal Resources

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-GEN08

Pay Range

45,300.00 - 61,100.00 - 77,000.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

This position supports training, compliance, and operational programs within DLAR by assisting with the development and maintenance of SOPs, training materials, and instructional content to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and regulatory compliance. The role provides hands-on and classroom training for staff, including onboarding, safety instruction, procedural guidance, and support for systems such as tick@lab. It also assists with staff development through coaching, mentorship, and support for professional growth initiatives, including certification preparation. In addition, the position supports safety and compliance efforts by assisting with hazard reporting, documentation, and regulatory procedures, while providing user support and troubleshooting for tick@lab. Practical animal experience is required to ensure proper handling and compliance with applicable regulations. Overall, this role strengthens training, safety, and operational consistency across the department.

1.1 Training Development (Creating Content and Curriculum) 25%

·       Assist in reviewing, updating, and maintaining SOPs and other training documentation to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with company policies and regulations.

·       Help develop curriculum and e-learning content using approved instructional design principles and tools, ensuring materials are engaging, practical, and visually aligned with company branding.

·       Adapt or customize training content and visuals for different departments, roles, and skill levels.

·       Prepare and organize training materials, including workbooks, handouts, and digital resources, for assigned sessions.

·       Test digital content and troubleshoot basic technical or formatting issues prior to release.

Support evaluation of training effectiveness through assessments, observations, and feedback collection

1.2 Training Delivery (Presenting and Hands-On Instruction) 25%

• Deliver training sessions, presentations, and hands-on instruction for employees as assigned, ensuring clarity and practical application of procedures.
• Conduct hands-on training for new DLAR employees to ensure proper workflow, procedures, and facility protocols are understood.
• Conduct hands-on skill demonstrations and coaching sessions to reinforce learning and staff development.
• Support delivery of safety training, including proper PPE use, hazard awareness, and safe equipment operation.
• Present tick@lab procedures and provide hands-on demonstrations to support effective software use.
• Assist in facilitating discussions, answering questions, and reinforcing key concepts during training sessions.

1.3 Staff Development 15%

• Assist in identifying training and professional development needs for staff working in DLAR and research facilities.
• Support mentorship and coaching activities by organizing sessions, providing resources, and offering guidance as directed.
• Help staff set and track development goals aligned with organizational objectives.
• Assist in providing constructive feedback and resources to support skill growth.
• Support initiatives that prepare staff for expanded responsibilities and future career progression.
• Provide support for employees pursuing AALAS certifications, including guidance, resources, and practice materials as directed.

1.4 Safety Support and Liaison 10%

• Assist in translating safety regulations and policies into practical procedures for employees and managers.
• Present and support delivery of safety training, particularly on workplace hazards, PPE use, and safe equipment operation.
• Document safety observations, report potential hazards, and assist with hazard tracking and compliance documentation.
• Assist in managing hazard and non-hazardous husbandry deviation records via the REDCap survey and communicate with investigators to ensure proper completion of required paperwork.
• Support annual PPE assessments, facility signage monitoring, and other periodic safety initiatives.
• Assist in promoting a culture of safety by reinforcing best practices and safety expectations.

1.5 Software Support – tick@lab 10%

• Serve as a point of contact for tick@lab inquiries and assist users with procedures as directed.
• Help troubleshoot tick@lab processes and escalate complex issues as needed.
• Create and track support tickets and assist in implementing process improvements.
• Support the creation of educational tools, such as job aids, webinars, and instructional signage.
• Present tick@lab procedures and provide hands-on demonstrations to support effective use.
• Assist with updating species/strain lists, genotypes, and coordinating data integration with QuickOrder.
• Help maintain training records and documentation within tick@lab.

1.6 Practical Animal Experience 5%

• Demonstrates proficiency in animal handling techniques, ensuring the safe and humane restraint and movement of research animals.
• Applies established animal care practices and procedures to support the health, welfare, and husbandry of laboratory animals.
• Maintains a working knowledge of animal research regulations and guidelines, ensuring compliance with all applicable institutional, state, and federal standards.

1.7 Other Duties 5%

Performs other related duties as required/assigned

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science and one year work experience directly related to the assigned research area. 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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