UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Neurosciences

Job Description Summary

The Taniguchi Lab and colleagues (Drs. Berto, Cowan, and Strickland) are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Staff Scientist to join our team. The successful candidate will support cutting-edge research in single-cell multiomics, spatial transcriptomics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, contributing to the investigation of neurodevelopmental disorders and genomic regulation in neural systems. This role offers a unique opportunity to advance the understanding of complex cellular interactions and gene expression patterns at single-cell resolution.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Single-Cell Multiomics and Spatial Transcriptomics:
o Perform single-cell multiomic techniques, including single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and/or DNA methylation profiling, to analyze cellular heterogeneity and gene regulation.
o Implement spatial transcriptomic methods, such as Visium and Xenium, for high-resolution mapping of gene expression in neural tissues and organoid models.
o Optimize and troubleshoot protocols to ensure high-quality data generation and reproducibility.

2. Library Preparation for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS):
o Prepare and sequence libraries for various NGS applications, including RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and spatial sequencing approaches.
o Collaborate with lab members to support NGS-based projects, maintaining high standards of quality control and protocol compliance.

3. Project Management and Training:
o Manage project timelines and resources, coordinating with lab leadership to align efforts with research objectives.
o Provide training and guidance to junior lab members and collaborators in multiomic and NGS techniques.
o Contribute to a collaborative and innovative lab environment, actively engaging in team discussions and lab meetings.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000984 COM NEURO RES Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:
35% - Under moderate to minimal supervision, lead single-cell multiomics and spatial transcriptomics experimental design and execute laboratory protocols, particularly with respect to single-cell RNA sequencing and other single-cell -omics techniques.

30% - Oversee and develop protocols for high-quality library preparation in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, ensuring alignment with research goals and platform specifications, while maintaining rigorous data quality control and troubleshooting.

15% - Provide advanced support and expertise in single-cell and multiomics methodologies to lab members and affiliated research groups, including guidance on experimental setup, protocol optimization, and troubleshooting.

10% - Directly support technical workflows, collaborating with the research team to improve experimental efficiency and accuracy, including implementation of troubleshooting and protocol enhancements.

5% - Assist in drafting and supporting grant applications, as necessary, to advance single-cell and multiomics research initiatives.

5% - Perform additional responsibilities as required to further lab objectives and ensure seamless experimental and analytical operations.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Qualifications: A Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent with two years postdoctorate 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. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent)

Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. 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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