UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Medicine: Division of Rheumatology

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

About The Position

MUSC’s Division of Rheumatology and Immunology is a premiere academic center in the southeast and faculty are internationally known for their contributions to advancing care and therapies within lupus, scleroderma, and vasculitis. The group’s clinical research effort includes investigator-initiated observational and interventional studies (federal and foundation funding) as well as industry sponsored treatment trials. To that end, the Research Specialist plays a vital role in the success of the group’s goal of better understanding and providing better treatment outcomes considering the health disparities seen in rheumatic disease. The Research Specialist will maximize operational efficiency of the biorepository while ensuring data integrity of the samples. The position will support the Division’s biorepository and clinical research operations by coordinating biospecimen management, data entry, and quality assurance activities. The individual will manage biospecimen inventory and metadata within laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and institutional databases, ensure accurate linkage between biospecimen records and physical storage locations, and facilitate specimen retrieval and distribution for research studies. Responsibilities include coordinating biospecimen processing workflows, supporting investigator requests for samples, maintaining compliance with biosafety and human subject protection standards, and assisting with freezer monitoring and biorepository infrastructure operations. The position will collaborate with investigators, study coordinators, and institutional partners to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant biospecimen management in support of translational research programs.

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 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

Experience working with research databases, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), or data management platforms (e.g., REDCap, Freezerworks, PowerBI, Excel or similar systems).
Prior experience working with human biospecimens in a clinical or translational research setting.
Familiarity with biospecimen processing procedures such as aliquoting, labeling, storage, and shipment preparation.
Experience supporting biorepository operations or managing biospecimen inventory systems.
Knowledge of biosafety procedures, HIPAA requirements, and human subjects research protections.
Experience coordinating sample shipments and regulatory documentation for research studies.
Ability to learn and use new software platforms to store, analyze, and view data and reports.
Strong organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and sample inventories.
Ability to work collaboratively with investigators, research coordinators, laboratory personnel, and institutional partners in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize competing deadlines in a robust research environment.
Demonstrated problem-solving ability and capacity to identify and resolve data or sample tracking discrepancies.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and protecting research participant information.
Ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaboration with research teams.

Responsibilities

Biospecimen Data Management and Tracking: Receive, enter, verify, and maintain biospecimen metadata within laboratory information management systems and inventory databases (e.g., PowerBI, Freezerworks, REDCap, Excel). Ensure database records accurately correspond to biospecimen storage locations and maintain organized tracking systems for samples derived from clinical studies.
Biospecimen Processing, Storage, and Distribution: Perform biospecimen processing workflows including aliquoting, labeling, diluting, and preparing samples for storage or distribution. Coordinate biospecimen retrieval, requisitioning, packaging, and shipment preparation for internal and external research collaborators in compliance with institutional and International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements.
Biospecimen Quality Control and Data Verification: Develop and implement quality assurance procedures to ensure accuracy of biospecimen metadata, labeling, and storage location records. Identify discrepancies between database entries and physical freezer locations and resolve issues in collaboration with research staff.
Biorepository Infrastructure and Freezer Monitoring: Support monitoring and maintenance of ultra-low temperature freezers including coordination of alarm systems, temperature monitoring, and response to freezer or power failures. Work with MUSC Engineering and Facilities and external vendors to maintain equipment functionality. Participation in sample preparedness and/or transfer procedures to maintain and secure sample viability (i.e. inclement weather conditions resulting in freezer failure). Activities may include afterhours/weekend work flexibility to meet needs as such demands arise.
Research Coordination and Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with investigators, research coordinators, and core leadership to support biospecimen needs for clinical and translational studies. Assist with integrating donor visit information from electronic medical records and other documentation into research databases.
Compliance, Training, and Administrative Support: Maintain compliance with biosafety, HIPAA, and human subject protections during specimen handling and data management. Participate in required institutional trainings and perform other duties as assigned by the program’s leadership to prioritize and support the biorepository’s mission. Some incidental weekend/after hour needs may be required to support divisional recruitment and educational events.

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