UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Neurosciences

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The laboratory of Dr. Stefano Berto in the Department of Neuroscience at MUSC is seeking a highly motivated individual to join a research program focused on stem cell neurogenomics in rare neurodevelopmental disorders, with a primary emphasis on CHAMP1 and IL1RAPL2. The Berto lab uses neurogenomics, single-cell multiomics, and iPSC-based isogenic in vitro models to dissect pathogenic mechanisms and convergent pathways underlying CHAMP1 syndrome and IL1RAPL2 haploinsufficiency, with broader relevance to autism and related conditions. The successful candidate will have a strong analytical background with attention to detail, substantial experience in cell culture and molecular biology, and a genuine interest in brain development, rare genetic disorders, and/or neuropsychiatric disease mechanisms. The candidate will assist the Principal Investigator and should be able to conduct relatively independent molecular biology experiments. Job duties include maintaining iPSC lines carrying CHAMP1 and IL1RAPL2 mutations and matched controls, performing basic imaging and molecular assays, managing inventory and ordering, and providing training and support to laboratory personnel.

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.

Responsibilities

• Maintain human iPSC cultures, including patient‑derived and isogenic lines modeling CHAMP1 and IL1RAPL2 mutations. Apply established differentiation protocols to generate neural progenitors, neurons, and 3D brain organoids relevant to rare neurodevelopmental disorders. Perform routine examination, feeding, splitting, and passaging of cells on weekdays. All in vitro work must be recorded accurately in hand‑written lab notebooks and/or a digital protocol database.
• Assist laboratory staff with routine experimental procedures, including basic molecular biology (e.g., PCR/genotyping, qPCR), immunocytochemistry/immunohistochemistry, and imaging of neuronal and organoid cultures. Aliquot media and reagents for common use and perform all work using appropriate sterile technique.
• Work with the PI and Berto lab team to streamline ordering, receiving, and tracking of reagents and consumables. Manage chemical and reagent inventory, maintain up‑to‑date safety data, and coordinate hazardous waste pick‑ups according to institutional guidelines.
• Define and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records of laboratory procedures, protocols, equipment logs, and experiment metadata in digital and/or hand‑written form. Track safety training and certification records for lab members, proactively contacting relevant offices as expiration dates approach and as new colleagues join the lab.
• Assist with training undergraduate and graduate students, and other laboratory personnel, in basic cell culture and molecular techniques relevant to rare disease modeling. Respond to occasional laboratory emergencies (e.g., freezer malfunction) in a timely manner, including during off‑hours when needed.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the PI to support ongoing CHAMP1 and IL1RAPL2 rare disease projects and general lab operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees