UNIV - Staff Scientist II - Department of Pharmacology

Job Description Summary

Seeking highly motivated individual(s) to fill a Senior Staff Scientist position in a cancer research laboratory at the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. Current work in the laboratory is centered on cellular signaling related to cancer development and progression. Research in the laboratory is focused on two major areas: 1. RAS GTPase signaling and transformation; and 2. Compartmentalized signaling by the intersection 1 (ITSN1) scaffold protein.

We have identified a novel allosteric regulatory site in RAS that is involved in the dimerization and nanoclustering of RAS at the plasma membrane (Spencer-Smith et. al. Nat. Chem. Biol, 2016 doi: 10.1038/nchembio.2231). Targeting this site blocks oncogenic RAS-mediated signaling and transformation by inhibiting RAS-induced dimerization and activation of the RAF kinase. Current studies are examining the role of RAS dimerization/nanoclustering in additional RAS effector pathways as well as using novel affinity reagents to probe isoform-specific differences in RAS signaling.

ITSN is a multi-domain scaffold protein involved in regulating endocytosis and cellular signaling (Herrero-Garcia and O’Bryan, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1864, 2017, 23–30). However, overexpression of ITSN has been implicated in a number of human malignancies including neuroblastoma. Current projects center on ITSN’s role in regulating RAS family GTPases, lipid kinases, ubiquitin ligases, protein trafficking pathways, and the importance of these ITSN-regulated pathways in human disease, particularly cancer.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or M.D., experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, protein expression, and cell biology, and a demonstrated track record in publishing high impact research. The selected candidate will be expected to participate in the training and oversight of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and other research staff. In addition, the candidate will be expected to participate in the development of research proposals for external research funding from both federal and private agencies. The candidate will also be expected to present his/her work at regular group meetings and national/international scientific conferences and publish his/her findings in collaboration with the PI in high impact scientific journals.

Applicants must be eligible for employment in the U.S. This is a non tenure-track position, with renewal dependent on continued availability of extramural funding. Start date is negotiable although preference will be given to candidates that can begin immediately. Salary range is commensurate with experience. For fullest consideration, send electronic file containing statement of research interest and experience, curriculum vitae, and names of three references to: Dr. John P. O’Bryan, email: obryanjo@musc.edu.

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 - $0 - $0

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

30% Develop an independent research project in consultation with the PI. Individual will be responsible for the design and implementation of experiments in the area of signaling transduction and cancer

biology. This will require reading of the scientific literature to obtain up-to-date information on the

research relevant to the projects that the candidate is working on. Must maintain accurate and up to date laboratory records. Will be responsible for presenting results to PI in individual and group meetings.

30% Present work at local, regional, national and international meetings. Will be responsible for publication of results in leading scientific journals. Will work closely with PI to develop research grant proposals.

30% Will assist with daily maintenance of laboratory, training and supervision of technical staff, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel. This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining various databases of laboratory reagents, oversight of equipment, developing written protocols of experimental techniques, advising and assisting junior members of the laboratory on proper experimental approaches such as with DNA cloning, cell culture, protein expression, purification and analysis, protein gel electrophoresis, animal handling and maintenance.

10% Assist with ordering of laboratory materials.

Minimum Requirements: Ph.D. , M.D. or equivalent with two years postdoctorate experience plus evidence of scholarly activity as demonstrated by at least five first author publications.

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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