UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Pharmacology and Immunology

Job Description Summary

The ONeil laboratory is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and talented individual for a Staff Scientist I position to support ongoing research in cellular immunotherapy and autoimmune disease. The lab focuses on developing next-generation CAR-T cell therapies for autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with an emphasis on engineering T cell function through transient mRNA modification and novel manufacturing approaches. This position will support funded studies aimed at evaluating CD19-directed CAR-T cell therapies in preclinical models and advancing translational workflows toward IND-enabling studies. The Staff Scientist will contribute to experimental design, execution, troubleshooting, and analysis across both in vivo and ex vivo platforms. The individual will work closely with the Principal Investigator and collaborators to generate high-quality data supporting publications and clinical translation.

The role is ideally suited for candidates with expertise in immunology, cell therapy, or related fields, with experience in T cell biology, gene modification, and/or translational research.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC001034 COM PHARM 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

Staff Scientist I position

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston

Department of Pharmacology and Immunology

Laboratory of Dr. Richard ONeil

Job summary

The ONeil laboratory is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and talented individual for a Staff Scientist I position to support ongoing research in cellular immunotherapy and autoimmune disease. The lab focuses on developing next-generation CAR-T cell therapies for autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with an emphasis on engineering T cell function through transient mRNA modification and novel manufacturing approaches. This position will support funded studies aimed at evaluating CD19-directed CAR-T cell therapies in preclinical models and advancing translational workflows toward IND-enabling studies. The Staff Scientist will contribute to experimental design, execution, troubleshooting, and analysis across both in vivo and ex vivo platforms. The individual will work closely with the Principal Investigator and collaborators to generate high-quality data supporting publications and clinical translation.

The role is ideally suited for candidates with expertise in immunology, cell therapy, or related fields, with experience in T cell biology, gene modification, and/or translational research.

Duties/Responsibilities

 

35% - Cellular immunology and CAR-T workflows: Execute and optimize experiments involving T cell isolation, activation, genetic modification (viral transduction and/or mRNA electroporation), and functional characterization. Responsibilities include assessing CAR expression, proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity, as well as troubleshooting manufacturing workflows and quality control assays.

30% - Wet lab procedures and analytical assays: Perform and analyze experiments including multi-parameter flow cytometry, ELISA/Luminex cytokine assays, and immunophenotyping of lymphocyte populations. Support development of functional assays to evaluate engineered T cell activity. Maintain laboratory reagents, coordinate sample processing, and ensure proper documentation and reproducibility of experimental workflows 20%

30% - Scientific communication and reporting:Prepare figures, datasets, and draft sections of manuscripts, abstracts, and grant reports. Participate in lab meetings and collaborative discussions. Maintain familiarity with current literature in immunotherapy, CAR-T biology, and autoimmune disease.

5%- Laboratory operations and mentorship: Assist in training students and junior staff on experimental techniques. Maintain organized records, contribute to lab operations, and support a collaborative and compliant research environment.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

PhD in immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or related biomedical field

At least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience

Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent research projects

Experience with flow cytometry, immune cell culture, and functional assays

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with T cell engineering, CAR-T cell platforms, or adoptive cell therapy

Familiarity with viral transduction and/or mRNA electroporation technologies

Experience with murine models of disease and adoptive transfer experiments

Exposure to translational or IND-enabling research workflows

Experience with immune profiling, cytokine analysis, or single-cell approaches

Additional Job Description

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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