UNIV - Laboratory Specialist I - Department of Medicine: Division of Cardiology
About The Position
The laboratory of Dr. Federica del Monte at the Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a motivated individual to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on the heart-brain axis, protein misfolding, and proteotoxicity in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The role supports the Principal Investigator and a postdoctoral fellow. The successful candidate will conduct independent bioengineering and basic molecular biology experiments, manage biological samples, and coordinate laboratory operations across interdisciplinary teams. The position involves developing devices to model traumatic injury and studying how energy affects protein folding, as well as examining samples for structural and molecular changes. The candidate should have a biomedical engineering degree, a strong analytical background, and experience with basic molecular biology relevant to designing and building devices for biomedical questions, particularly traumatic injuries. A genuine interest in protein homeostasis and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms is also sought.
Requirements
- High school diploma and one year of work experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting, a health care setting, or a general maintenance or machine shop environment; a bachelor's degree in a related scientific discipline may substitute for the required work experience.
- Ability to conduct independent bioengineering and basic molecular biology experiments, manage biological samples, and coordinate laboratory operations across interdisciplinary lines.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to work rotating shifts and overtime as required.
- Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, and equipment as required.
- Ability to respond to occasional laboratory emergencies during off-hours when needed.
- Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds, pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds, working in cold temperature extremes, performing repetitive and fine motor tasks, and working alone in isolated areas.
- Ability to qualify physically for respirator use initially and annually.
Nice To Haves
- High school diploma and two years of work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, neuroscience, or another natural, life, or healthcare science may substitute for the two years of experience.
- Degree in biomedical engineering.
- Strong analytical background.
- Experience with basic molecular biology and designing and building devices for biomedical applications, particularly traumatic injuries.
- Genuine interest in protein homeostasis and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
Responsibilities
- Develop devices to model traumatic injury and the effect of energy on protein folding, and examine samples after injury for structural and molecular changes.
- Assist laboratory staff with routine experimental procedures, including Western blotting, PCR/genotyping, qPCR, ICC/IHC, and high-resolution imaging of tissue structures and protein aggregates.
- Maintain accurate, current records of laboratory procedures, experimental protocols, equipment logs, and metadata in digital or handwritten form.
- Track laboratory members’ safety training and certification records and contact institutional safety offices as needed.
- Maintain, process, and characterize biological specimens, including human tissue samples, biobanked fluids, and murine tissues.
- Respond promptly to occasional laboratory emergencies, including freezer or liquid nitrogen malfunctions, including during off-hours when needed.
- Perform additional duties requested by the Principal Investigator to support general laboratory operations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
