UNIV - Research Specialist III - Surgery: Center for Cellular Therapy

Job Description Summary

The Department of Surgery is actively recruiting for a Research Specialist III. The RSIII will perform all investigational cellular product derivation in the Center for Cellular Therapy (CCT) at MUSC. Major duties include perform immunomonitoring and other activities in the CCT; participating training and implementation of procedures, implementing new projects that support the growth and business development of the facility with guidance from CCT scientific directors; assist the quality control director with product quality assurance. Together with other team members, order and maintain reagents and supplies needed for each CCT projects.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000957 COM Center For Cellular Therapy 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

Pay Range:

$46,655.00 - $66,488.00 - $86,321.00 (min - mid - max)

Job Duties:

• 25% - Research Specialist III, who participates in producing standard-of-care cellular product derivation, is responsible for assay development and implementation of assay protocols. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be optimized, written, and validated for ongoing and future products. Participate in the standard of care protocols, including performing the Autologous Islet Transplant (AIT) program and the CD34+ selection program for SCID patients. Protocols include but are not limited to complex advanced Flow Cytometry, operation and maintenance of protocol-specific instruments, and documentation of product data. Techniques include tissue dissection, tissue purification, isolation, and preparation of cellular products for re-implantation. Complete product release criteria such as propidium iodide staining for cellular viability, endotoxin quantification, bacterial contamination testing, and mycoplasma detection by luminescence as needed.

• 25% - Work with cultures and various cell types, including but not limited to mesenchymal stem cells, T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor cells, and dendritic cells. Perform experiments investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in immune cell function. Specifically, the applicant will be involved in processing the human blood and tissue specimens and isolating PBMCs for immunomonitoring. This will include using FACS-based assays to understand the cell surface expression of various markers that can correlate to the health and age of the lymphoid and myeloid populations.  Candidate is also expected to utilize cell and molecular biology techniques including but limited to, cell culture, molecular cloning and enzymatic assays; transfections and gene expression assays; protein, RNA, and DNA isolation and separation; ELISA; real-time RT-PCR; immunostaining and flow cytometry; proliferation and apoptosis assays and immunohistochemistry.

• 15% - Participate in the bone marrow transplant program. Will work directly with customers to develop products by applying guiding principles and existing frameworks to new contexts.

• 15% - Participate in diagnostic testing programs for research by providing a shared resource to investigators at MUSC, external private investigators, and industry-sponsored investigators.  Coordinate the receipt and inventory of research samples, plan testing schedule, and provide test results, data analysis, and other requests by the investigator.

• 10% - Help obtain PBMCs from the peripheral blood or leukapheresis samples. Culture lymphoid and myeloid cells for cellular engineering using viral constructs or gene manipulation methodologies.

• 10% - Work closely with the Quality Assurance Director to maintain and assist with IQ/OQ/PQ on all laboratory equipment. Perform maintenance and calibration work when needed.

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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