UNIV - Research Specialist I - Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

1d • $37,200 - $59,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The research specialist I will work under general supervision by the PI and Lab manager and will be part of a basic science research laboratory that focuses on mitochondria biology and treatment of mitochondrial diseases, especially Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A). The work of the individual will be with emphasis on cell culture, including maintaining cell lines including thawing, expansion, passaging using strict aseptic techniques and performing independent experiments including staining imaging and evaluation.
Furthermore, the individual will be involved in the maintenance of the transgenic mouse and rat colonies, histology and immunohistochemistry, microscope imaging, animal behavioral and electrophysiological studies, and utilizing various other laboratory techniques including PCR, western blotting.
Work is conducted in a basic biomedical laboratory that focuses on mitochondrial diseases and their treatment.

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, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or other life science is required.
• Strong organizational, record keeping, and interpersonal communication skills are required.
• Previous laboratory experience with cell culture and sterile techniques is preferred but not required.
• Preference will be given to candidates with willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to evolving project needs.
• Must be able to work with animals (mouse and rat).

Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture, ex vivo tissue culture experiments, with a range of experimental assays.
• Perform simple to complex laboratory procedures in one or more areas of laboratory investigation such as: DNA isolation and PCR; western blot; histological sample preparation and staining, immunohistochemistry, microscopy and a variety of other molecular biology procedures.
• Work closely with the PI and lab manager for animal colony management, including genotyping of transgenic mouse and rat lines, with assistance in behavioral and electrophysiological experiments including drug application.
• Maintain accurate records and analyze research data, present progress updates and experimental findings in team meetings. Proficiency at programs including excel, and word.

What This Job Offers

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