UNIV – Research Specialist I – Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bioenergetic Profiling Core Facility and Analytical Redox Biochemistry Core are looking for a Research Specialist whose primary role will be to facilitate the facility with experiments. The ideal candidate will have experience with Agilent/Seahorse instruments, cellular respirometry and plate reader experiments. They should also possess a strong background in biochemistry, tissue culture, and reagent preparation. The applicant should have the ability to learn new skills and concepts quickly under personal expert guidance, and then execute experiments independently. Critical analysis of your research and strong communication skills are vital as training is a key component of the work flow. They will be able to aid in the design and analysis of experiments. They will help manage a diverse portfolio of biomedical research projects.

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

Nice To Haves

Experience with Agilent/Seahorse instruments
Experience with cellular respirometry
Experience with plate reader experiments
Strong background in biochemistry
Experience with tissue culture
Experience with reagent preparation
Ability to learn new skills and concepts quickly under personal expert guidance
Ability to execute experiments independently
Critical analysis of research
Strong communication skills
Ability to aid in the design and analysis of experiments
Ability to manage a diverse portfolio of biomedical research projects

Responsibilities

Document protocol optimization and experimental results, analyze data, and advise principal investigator, core facility users, and lab members in adaptation and completion of experimental design, execution, and analyses.
Develop extensive knowledge of the Agilent Wave software.
Develop knowledge and expertise at flow cytometry and microscopy, especially using the ZOOM Essen and Cytation 5 microscopes.
Plan, coordinate, and communicate project goals and timetables among diverse, separate research projects, including time/cost budgeting, trouble shooting and protocol revision for lab members and core facility members.
Prepare and train lab members and core facility users in the proper protocol for preparing solutions, reagents, media or stains necessary for prescribed tests.
Apply standard quality control techniques to assure quality of Biology and Agilent/Seahorse XF test and imaging results.
Train and supervise lab members and core facility core members in proper application of techniques and data analyses.
Maintain calibration and service of Agilent/Seahorse Legacy and XF96e instruments and all other core facility instruments including imagers, microscopes and plate readers.
Inventory of lab supplies, ordering of supplies, monitor spending for budgetary and reporting purposes, and ensure maintenance of laboratory databases.
Schedule use of XF and imaging instruments, training and maintain usage and billing records.
Perform complex laboratory procedures in one or more areas of laboratory investigation, including tissue and cell culture, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, PCR, plate readers and a variety of molecular biology procedures.
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.