UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Regenerative Medicine

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to join the digestive diseases organoid core facility. This position offers an exciting opportunity to help build and support a growing resource that provides high-quality organoid models for investigators across a broad range of basic and translational research programs. The Research Technician will play a central role in establishing, expanding, and maintaining organoid cultures derived from gastrointestinal tissues. The successful candidate will process tissue specimens, generate new organoid lines, perform routine culture and quality control procedures, and maintain accurate up to date records. The technician will work closely with the core director and investigators to ensure reliable, reproducible organoid production while contributing to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance practices. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and has fine motor skills. They will work in a collaborative environment and be involved in projects with multiple principal investigators across MUSC’s campus. This role provides opportunities to contribute to protocol optimization, core operations, and translational research projects while gaining expertise in advanced organoid technologies.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science may be substituted for the two years of required experience.
• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position.
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position.
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile.
• Ability to climb, using step stool.
• Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries.
• Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces.
• Ability to bend at the waist.
• Ability to twist at the waist.
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders.
• Ability to fully use both legs.
• Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions.
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction.
• Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted.
• Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted.
• Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted.
• Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted.
• Ability to push/ Ability to lift 40 lbs. centrifuge rotors from floor level to height of 40 inches, then down 20 inches into centrifuge drum, unassisted.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes, from floor level to maximum height of 72 inches, unassisted.
• Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level.
• Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted.
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes.
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors, normally.
• Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems.
• Ability to hear and/or understand conversations.
• Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc.
• Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually.
• 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

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• At least one year of laboratory research experience (undergraduate research experience may be considered).
• Experience with sterile technique and basic cell culture.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and record-keeping abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary research teams.
• Previous experience with organoid culture, primary tissue processing, or other advanced mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Experience developing or implementing laboratory SOPs and quality control procedures.
• Familiarity with microscopy, molecular biology techniques, or tissue processing.
• Experience working in a core facility or shared research environment.

Responsibilities

• Process mammalian tissue samples to establish and maintain organoid cultures.
• Perform routine organoid culture, passaging, cryopreservation, recovery, and quality control procedures.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare summaries, reports, and documentation.
• Develop, implement, and optimize standardized operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure reproducibility and consistency across the core.
• Maintain accurate up to date laboratory records, sample inventories, and electronic databases.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety regulations and quality assurance standards.
• Support day-to-day laboratory operations, including inventory management, ordering supplies, and equipment maintenance.
• Contribute to the continued growth and development of the organoid core through process improvement and operational innovation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED