UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Biochemistry

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

4d • $45,300 - $77,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a motivated and collegial Research Specialist II in the laboratory of Dr. Judit Jimenez Sainz. The Jimenez Sainz Lab focuses on the Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes BRCA1/2 and PALB2, key guardians of genome integrity whose mutations lead to high risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and melanoma cancers. BRCA1/2 and PALB2 play essential roles in repairing double strand breaks through homologous recombination and in maintaining replication fork stability. The lab has three major research goals: 1. Define the impact of genetic variants in BRCA1/2 and PALB2 on protein localization and function to better understand cancer risk and therapy response. 2. Identify novel therapeutic strategies to sensitize tumor cells based on mislocalization of BRCA1/2 and RAD51. 3. Characterize the crosstalk between homologous recombination and replication machinery in response to platinum drugs and PARP inhibitors.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science and one year work experience directly related to the assigned research area.
• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent)
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous)
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent)
• Ability to climb, using step stool. (Infrequent)
• Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries. (Infrequent)
• Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Continuous)
• Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent)
• Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent)
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous)
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent)
• Ability to fully use both legs. (Frequent)
• Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent)
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction. (Continuous)
• Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent)
• Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted. (Frequent)
• Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted. (Infrequent)
• Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted. (Frequent)
• 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. (Infrequent)
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes, from floor level to maximum height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent)
• Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level. (Frequent)
• Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted. (Frequent)
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous)
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors, normally. (Continuous)
• Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems. (Continuous)
• Ability to hear and/or understand conversations. (Continuous)
• Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. (Continuous)
• Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually. (Continuous)
• 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

• Master’s degree or previous research experience in molecular biology techniques and protein purification.
• Ability to think creatively, work independently and collaborate effectively within a team.

Responsibilities

• Mammalian tissue culture: Grow, maintain, expand, and treat mammalian cell lines, Develop, evaluate, and implement new or modified culture procedures, Improve laboratory methods for primary tissue culture
• Bacterial culture and cloning: Grow bacteria and extract DNA for molecular applications, Clone genetic variants into the phCMV1 backbone
• DNA/RNA/Protein analysis: Extract DNA, RNA, and protein from mammalian cells, Perform PCR, Northern blot, and Western blot analyses
• Laboratory record keeping: Maintain detailed daily records of experimental procedures and results
• Preparation of laboratory buffers and solutions: Prepare daily buffers, reagents, and solutions for experiments
• Laboratory supply maintenance: Order and organize laboratory supplies
• Additional duties as assigned
• Collaborate with internal and external colleagues
• Handle unsealed radioactive materials and/or operate radiation‑producing equipment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level