UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Pharmacology & Immunology, Neurosurgery & Veterans Affairs

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

3d • $37,944 - $60,690 • Onsite

About The Position

The Haque Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center conducts translational research focused on understanding mechanisms of inflammation, cancer, neurodegeneration, and spinal cord injury. Current research programs investigate (1) the effects of estrogen and related estrogenic compounds on spinal cord injury using preclinical laboratory and animal models and (2) neuroimmune mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases using complementary in vitro and in vivo approaches. The Research Specialist I will provide technical support to the Principal Investigator and research team in conducting laboratory and animal studies, maintaining experimental protocols, and supporting the day-to-day operations of the laboratory. The position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in multidisciplinary biomedical research involving molecular, cellular, immunological, and animal-based approaches.

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

• Perform experiments as assigned by the Principal Investigator.
• Assist and provide skilled technical support, analyze and record results/data, participate in development of experimental procedures, prepare lab protocols, mouse and rat handling, and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies.

Responsibilities

• Directly responsible for spinal cord injury experiments, experimental sample preparation and analysis using biochemical, immunological, and molecular assays on fresh tissues, blood samples, and cultured cells.
• Responsible for daily operations to include the efficient use of instrumentation, ordering, shipments, lab maintenance, and inventory of laboratory supplies.
• Participate in research with animal models, tissue culture, gene transfer in primary and established cell lines, immunostaining, rehab and behavioral studies.
• Responsible for preparation of experimental reports, assisting with lab protocols, manuscripts, and grants as they arise.

What This Job Offers

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