UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Regenerative Medicine

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 will be part of a basic science research laboratory that focuses on understanding cellular trafficking mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The position requires motivated, well-organized individuals with excellent communication skills.

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 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

Previous laboratory experience is considered helpful but not required.
A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology or other life or health science is required.

Responsibilities

Independently perform basic histological techniques including tissue processing, embedding and sectioning.
The research specialist will be trained on immunohistochemical techniques and microscopy and will be expected to perform immunostaining and acquire micrographs.
Additionally, the research technician will fix tissue and/or cells, embed tissue in paraffin or OCT and perform sectioning.
Work closely with the lab manager and perform mouse husbandry on 5-8 different transgenic and targeted mouse lines.
The research specialist will learn mouse genotyping, weaning, mouse line maintenance and general husbandry.
The research specialist will also aid in mouse dissection and tissue collection and processing.
Independently perform basic molecular biology techniques including DNA isolation, Polymerase chain reaction, agarose gel electrophoresis.
The research specialist will extract RNA, synthesis cDNA, run qRT-PCR and perform cell culture experiments and maintenance.
The research specialist will also generate gastrointestinal organoids from tissue and maintain intestinal organoids in vitro.
Perform basic lab maintenance responsibilities including glassware washing, solution making and laboratory organization.
The research specialist will be responsible for making up solutions of PBS, keep track of stocks of essential items like gloves, reagents, antibodies.
Help create an inventory of reagents and items in the lab.
Maintain equipment such as scale and pipet accuracy.
Maintain accurate records of animals, and experimental procedures.
Proficiency at programs including google-docs, excel, and word.
The research specialist will assist in writing protocols, optimizing experiments, back up computers, perform statistical analysis and record experimental protocols and data.