UNIV-Research Specialist III-Department of Biochemistry

Job Description Summary

The MUSC Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology has an opening for a Research Specialist III in the laboratory of Dr. Russell Spencer-Smith. Somatic driver mutations in the RAS-MAPK pathway occur in 30-40% of human cancers. However, this pathway is also a hotspot for germline mutations that cause a group of developmental syndromes called RASopathies. Through the study of these unique germline mutations the Spencer-Smith lab seeks to: 1) Identify new regulatory mechanisms and novel drug targets in frequent oncogenes, and 2) Repurpose cancer drugs that target RAS signaling pathways for the treatment of RASopathy patients. We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with experience in molecular biology techniques and (preferably) zebrafish developmental models to lead our studies of drug repurposing for the treatment of RASopathy syndromes. In this position you will conduct and design experiments, train and direct junior lab members, collect and analyze data, present your latest findings at group meetings and maintain detailed lab records.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000954 COM BIOCHEM Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-06

Pay Range

46,655.00 - 66,488.00 - 86,321.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Description:

The MUSC Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology has an opening for a Research Specialist III in the laboratory of Dr. Russell Spencer-Smith. Somatic driver mutations in the RAS-MAPK pathway occur in 30-40% of human cancers. However, this pathway is also a hotspot for germline mutations that cause a group of developmental syndromes called RASopathies. Through the study of these unique germline mutations the Spencer-Smith lab seeks to: 1) Identify new regulatory mechanisms and novel drug targets in frequent oncogenes, and 2) Repurpose cancer drugs that target RAS signaling pathways for the treatment of RASopathy patients. We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with experience in molecular biology techniques and (preferably) zebrafish developmental models to lead our studies of drug repurposing for the treatment of RASopathy syndromes. In this position you will conduct and design experiments, train and direct junior lab members, collect and analyze data, present your latest findings at group meetings and maintain detailed lab records.

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science directly related to the assigned area of research and two years advanced journal-level work experience in a clinical or research setting.

Job Duties:

Perform experiments (35%): Growing, expanding, passaging and treating mammalian cell lines. Analysis of protein function in live cells using confocal imaging and NanoBRET protein-protein interaction assays. Analysis of cell lysates using immunoprecipitation, western blot and pull-down assays. Deriving primary fibroblast cell lines from patient skin biopsies. Preforming drug treatment and subsequent cell signaling analysis of both model cell lines and those derived from patients. Using CRISPR technology to knockout genes in cell lines. Performing subcloning and mutagenesis of protein expression constructs.

Training (25%): Undergo training in the techniques listed above along with all relevant procedures in the lab. Read and understand scientific literature from our group and other groups that is relevant to your project. Train and direct junior lab members. Participate in weekly one-on-one meetings with Dr. Spencer-Smith. Present your research project and latest findings at lab meetings.

Analysis of data (15%): Process raw data, make relevant calculations, perform statistical analysis, and make graphs of data using excel/numbers and Prism software. Generate plasmid maps for mutagenesis and subcloning experiments using SnapGene. Image, analyze and quantify western blot data using ImageJ and ImageQuant software.

Record keeping (15%): Maintaining detailed records of all experiments performed. Upload all experimental writeups and data to your LabArchives notebook. Backing up all electronic data to OneDrive to avoid loss. Maintaining inventories of plasmids, primers and cells lines, and restocking as necessary. Writing and maintaining lab protocols and reagent lists when necessary.

Maintaining lab (10%): Ensuring that the lab and associated office space is clean and tidy. Ensuing that the lab space meets all required safety standards. Preparing lab buffers, reagents, agar plates and tissue culture media using sterile technique.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science directly related to the assigned area of research and two years advanced journel-level work experience in a clinical or research setting. 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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