UNIV - Laboratory Specialist I - Department of Medicine: Division of Cardiology

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

1d•$37,200 - $59,500•Onsite

About The Position

The laboratory of Dr. Federica del Monte at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated individual to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on the heart-brain axis, protein misfolding, and proteotoxicity in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The successful candidate will have a strong analytical background, experience with tissue/cell processing and basic molecular assays, and a genuine interest in protein homeostasis, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. The candidate will assist the Principal Investigator and the post-doctoral fellow. The candidate should be capable of conducting independent molecular biology experiments, managing a biological sample biorepository, and coordinating lab operations across interdisciplinary lines.

Requirements

A high school diploma and one year work experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting, in a health care setting or in a general maintenance or machine shop environment.
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)
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.
Computer literacy.

Nice To Haves

A bachlor's degree in a related scientific discipline may be substituted for the required work experience.
Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
Ability to work overtime as required.
Ability to learn and use new processes, analytical software, and laboratory equipment as required.

Responsibilities

Assist laboratory staff with routine experimental procedures, including basic molecular and biochemical biology (e.g., Western blotting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/genotyping, qPCR), immunocytochemistry/immunohistochemistry (ICC/IHC), and high-resolution imaging of tissue structures and protein aggregates.
Work with the PI and laboratory team to manage the lab’s specialized tissue and fluid biorepository. Streamline ordering, receiving, and tracking of specialized materials. Manage chemical and reagent inventory, maintain up‑to‑date safety data, and coordinate hazardous waste pick‑ups.
Define and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records of laboratory procedures, experimental protocols, equipment logs, and metadata in digital and/or hand‑written form. Track safety training and certification records for lab members, proactively contacting institutional safety offices as needed.
Maintain, process, and characterize biological specimens (including human tissue samples, biobanked fluids, and murine tissues). Assist with maintaining mouse colonies relevant to Alzheimer's genetics and cardiac phenotypes.
Respond to occasional laboratory emergencies (e.g., -80°C freezer or liquid nitrogen malfunctions) in a timely manner, including during off‑hours when needed.
Perform additional duties as requested by the PI to support ongoing translational heart failure and tau-targeting immunotherapy projects, as well as general lab operations.