UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Pharmacology & Immunology

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

4d • $37,944 - $60,690 • Onsite

About The Position

The Zhang Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) investigates how the enteric nervous system communicates with intestinal epithelial and immune cells to regulate intestinal homeostasis and host defense. Our research focuses on enteric neuroimmune and neuroepithelial interactions during gastrointestinal infection, inflammation, and tissue injury, with the goal of uncovering fundamental mechanisms that may lead to new therapeutic strategies. To address these questions, the laboratory uses genetically engineered mouse models, gastrointestinal infection models, intestinal organoids, molecular and cellular biology, flow cytometry, imaging, and genomic approaches. Current projects investigate neuronal signaling pathways that regulate intestinal epithelial stem cells and immune responses during enteric infections, as well as how these pathways influence intestinal inflammation and disease. Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, a Research Specialist I is needed to support research involving mouse models, intestinal tissues, immune cells, and epithelial cells. Responsibilities include mouse colony maintenance and genotyping; preparation and analysis of mouse tissues and cells; PCR/qPCR; Western blotting; flow cytometry; immunofluorescence and microscopy; cell and organoid culture; and maintenance of laboratory equipment and resources. Previous experience with these techniques is preferred but not required. The laboratory provides extensive training opportunities in mouse genetics, intestinal biology, immunology, microbiology, enteric neuroscience, organoid culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, and molecular biology.

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 while walking/mobile.
• 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 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 and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted.
• Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level.
• 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 learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor's degree in biology, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, molecular/cell biology, or a related biomedical science field is preferred.
• Previous research experience with mouse models, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, cell culture, organoid culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, or gastrointestinal biology is a plus but is not required.
• The ideal candidate is highly motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and interested in learning new experimental techniques and contributing to a collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities

• Performs preparation and analysis of mouse intestinal and other tissues. Responsibilities may include mouse dissection and tissue harvesting, tissue processing, histological analysis, isolation of intestinal epithelial and immune cells, cell and organoid culture, PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, immunostaining, microscopy, flow cytometry, and other molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Maintains genetically engineered mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, identification, record keeping, tissue collection, and genotyping. Assists with mouse experiments and gastrointestinal infection studies as appropriate and in accordance with approved protocols.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and instrumentation by performing routine checks, cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Assists with organization and maintenance of laboratory reagents, samples, and research resources.
• Assists with ordering reagents and laboratory supplies and maintaining laboratory inventories. Helps maintain a safe, clean, and compliant laboratory environment through proper labeling, storage, documentation, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to institutional laboratory safety procedures.
• Maintains detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks and records of experiments, protocols, mouse colonies, samples, and data. Ensures that experimental data are appropriately organized and stored.
• Assists with preparation of research-related materials, including IACUC protocols and amendments, laboratory protocols, figures, data summaries, and grant-related materials when appropriate.

Benefits

• The laboratory provides extensive training opportunities in mouse genetics, intestinal biology, immunology, microbiology, enteric neuroscience, organoid culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, and molecular biology.

What This Job Offers

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