UNIV - Postdoc - Department of Regenerative Medicine

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

11d

About The Position

The laboratory of Dr. Russell Norris in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to support translational research in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong foundation in molecular biology, genetics, and human translational research who can serve as an essential bridge between our clinical coordinators, nursing staff, and basic research team. The ideal candidate will play a central role in procurement, processing, and analysis of patient-derived clinical samples and in running molecular and genetic assays to support multiple ongoing clinical and discovery studies. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in human tissue or blood processing, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, molecular cloning, and next-generation sequencing workflows. Prior experience with patient consent, IRB-regulated protocols, and clinical-to-bench sample logistics is preferred. Familiarity with omics-based methods (RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq, proteomics) and data interpretation is desirable. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to collaborate effectively across clinical and laboratory settings.

Requirements

• PhD/MD or equivalent
• demonstrated experience in human tissue or blood processing, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, molecular cloning, and next-generation sequencing workflows.
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively across clinical and laboratory settings.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with patient consent, IRB-regulated protocols, and clinical-to-bench sample logistics is preferred.
• Familiarity with omics-based methods (RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq, proteomics) and data interpretation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Research Coordination – Essential (30%): Work closely with clinical coordinators, nursing staff, and physician collaborators to facilitate patient enrollment and biospecimen collection. Ensure compliance with IRB protocols, sample tracking, chain of custody, and data linkage between clinical metadata and laboratory assays.
• Molecular and Genetic Analyses – Essential (35%): Design and perform molecular assays on patient-derived samples, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, cDNA synthesis, cloning, and next-generation sequencing library preparation. Contribute to mechanistic studies and functional validation of patient-derived genetic variants using molecular and cellular approaches.
• Mentorship and Team Integration – Essential (15%): Provide training and day-to-day guidance to graduate students, interns, and clinical research assistants involved in biospecimen handling and molecular assays. Facilitate communication between the clinical and bench research teams to ensure smooth coordination of workflows.
• Documentation and Quality Control – Essential (10%): Maintain accurate records of sample inventories and experimental results using the Norris Lab’s electronic laboratory notebook systems (LabArchives and Box). Ensure all samples and datasets are logged for traceability and compliance.
• Publications and Grants – Essential (10%): Contribute to manuscript preparation, data visualization, and presentations at internal and external scientific meetings. Assist in the preparation of research proposals and progress reports for funding agencies and foundations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees