UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Medicine: Division of Hematology Oncology

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Jenkins Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina is seeking applicants for a Research Specialist I. Recent graduates from undergraduate programs who are looking for research experience are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities will include assisting in experiments in mouse model of cancer, performing cell culture, molecular biology and biochemical assays, data analysis, and general lab maintenance. This role involves supporting the collection, processing, and tracking of de-identified human tumor specimens for translational research studies, managing and curating a secure database of tumor specimens, and performing laboratory benchwork using various cell and molecular biology techniques. The specialist will also be responsible for maintaining laboratory supplies, preparing buffers and reagents, arranging equipment maintenance, maintaining laboratory notebooks and records, assisting with ordering, and contributing to data analysis and presentation for grant applications and manuscripts.

Requirements

Strong attention to detail
Familiarity with human subject research practices
Ability to work collaboratively across clinical and laboratory teams
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 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

Prior experience in a laboratory setting

Responsibilities

Assisting in experiments in mouse model of cancer
Performing cell culture, molecular biology and biochemical assays
Data analysis
General lab maintenance
Support the collection, processing, and tracking of de-identified human tumor specimens for translational research studies
Manage and curate a secure database of tumor specimens, including annotation of clinical and experimental metadata, quality control of entries, and organization of samples for downstream use
Coordinating with clinical and pathology teams to facilitate tissue procurement
Ensuring proper handling and documentation of specimens
Maintaining compliance with institutional protocols and regulatory requirements
Utilizing cell and molecular biology techniques including flow cytometry, cell sorting, cell cultures, microscopy, PCR, Western blotting, and organoid technologies
Isolate immune cells from patient and mouse tumors and contribute to their characterization using advanced methods of flow, microscopy, and cytokine profiling
Maintain laboratory supplies
Prepare buffers and reagents
Arrange maintenance of equipment as needed
Maintain laboratory notebooks and records
Assist with ordering
Graphing and visualization of data with appropriate software
Presenting during lab meetings
Directly contribute to grant applications and manuscripts