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 Laboratory Specialist I to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on the heart-brain axis, protein misfolding, and proteotoxicity in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The role involves developing bioengineering devices to model traumatic injury and studying its effects on protein folding, as well as examining biological samples for structural and molecular changes. The specialist will assist the Principal Investigator and postdoctoral fellow with independent bioengineering and basic molecular biology experiments, biological sample management, and laboratory operations across interdisciplinary lines. The position also supports routine experiments, specimen processing and characterization, laboratory recordkeeping, safety tracking, and general lab operations.
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 obtain and maintain a valid driver's 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.
- Ability to meet the listed physical demands, including lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds, pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds, and qualifying for respirator use.
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 and a strong analytical background.
- Experience with basic molecular biology and designing and building devices for biomedical questions, 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; examine samples after injury for structural and molecular changes.
- Assist laboratory staff with basic molecular and biochemical procedures, including Western blotting, PCR/genotyping, qPCR, ICC/IHC, and high-resolution imaging of tissue structures and protein aggregates.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of laboratory procedures, experimental protocols, equipment logs, and metadata in digital and/or handwritten form.
- Track safety training and certification records for lab members 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, when needed during off-hours.
- 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
