UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Biochemistry

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

1d

About The Position

The department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a motivated and collegial Research Specialist in the laboratory of Dr. Jennifer Stancill. The lab focuses on pancreatic beta-cells, which secrete insulin in response to an increase in blood sugar and are damaged or destroyed during the progression of diabetes. The lab works in vitro (mammalian cell culture), ex vivo (mouse and human tissues), and in vivo (mouse models). Experimental techniques we use include qPCR, SDS PAGE, western blot, ELISA, plate reader assays, and fluorescence microscopy, among others. While experience in these systems and techniques is welcome, hands-on training will be provided for all required tasks. More information about the Stancill lab can be found on the lab website: https://stancilllab.owlstown.net/

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.
• Must have the ability to think creatively and work independently as well as part of a team.
• 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

• Previous experience in mouse husbandry and handling and tissue culture are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Mouse handling and experimentation Assist in isolation of pancreatic islets from mice. Assist in maintenance of mouse colonies (setting up breeding pairs, weaning, ear tagging, genotyping, etc.)
• Basic biochemical and molecular biology experiments RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, quantitative PCR analysis, protein isolation, SDS PAGE, western blotting, fluorescence and absorbance-based plate reader assays, etc.
• Mammalian tissue culture Grow, maintain, expand, and treat mammalian cell lines. Culture and treat mouse pancreatic islets.
• Management of laboratory activities and supplies Order, organize, and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies. Prepare common laboratory reagents. Make sure laboratory is clean and operational. Maintain the laboratory in a safe and clean condition.
• Laboratory record-keeping Prepare daily records of experiments and results. Maintain organized records of laboratory procedures and protocols.
• Additional duties assigned by the Principal Investigator This may include collaborations with internal and external colleagues and performing other tasks to maintain smooth operation of the laboratory.

What This Job Offers

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