UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Medicine: Division of Rheumatology

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

1d•$45,300 - $77,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Gilkeson Lab at MUSC is seeking applicants for a Research Specialist II position. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with extensive research experience, including those planning to apply to graduate school, or an MD/PhD program. The ideal candidate will have a keen intellectual interest in the science behind the projects and a demonstrated commitment to increasing their background knowledge about their work. All necessary basic laboratory training will be provided. Responsibilities will include performing experiments in cell culture, working with mouse models of disease, and helping with general lab and animal room maintenance with the goal to progression to independent work. In addition, the candidate will be responsible for processing human subject and mouse samples. Extensive experience in flow cytometry is a must. General duties will include gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, ELISA, cell culture, DNA and RNA extraction, real-time PCR, etc. Duties will also include participating in laboratory discussions, organization, and regulatory procedures with progression to day-to-day management of activities. Maintenance of up-to-date, comprehensive, and neat laboratory records will be required. Under supervision from the principal investigator, candidate will perform complex biological procedures and analyses in a basic science laboratory. All the experiments require meticulous technique and the ability to optimize and troubleshoot a variety of different protocols. They also require organization and detailed note keeping. The candidate will be expected to help prepare experimental results for presentation and publication. Will require occasional weekend work.

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.
Extensive experience in flow cytometry is a must.
Expertise in flow cytometry mouse handling, immunological and histological methods (Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting), and fluorescent microscopy are a must.
Proficiency with computers and experience with spreadsheet, statistical, and graphical software are also preferred.
Knowledge about small-volume fluid handling, tissue culture/sterile technique, and general cell, molecular, biochemical, and/or immunological methods is essential, and experience in these areas is desired.
The successful applicant must be experienced in mouse handling and minor surgery, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting.
The candidate should possess strong organizational and communication skills, a talent for managing diverse tasks, and an ability to work well in a team.
Candidate should be highly motivated, detail oriented, committed to excellence, and works well independently and with others.
All of the experiments require meticulous technique and the ability to optimize and troubleshoot a variety of different methods.
The candidate will be expected to help prepare experimental results for presentation and publication, analyze data, and participate in the overall maintenance of the lab.
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

Planning to apply to graduate school, or an MD/PhD program.
Keen intellectual interest in the science behind the projects and a demonstrated commitment to increasing their background knowledge about their work.
Proficiency with computers and experience with spreadsheet, statistical, and graphical software are also preferred.
Experience in small-volume fluid handling, tissue culture/sterile technique, and general cell, molecular, biochemical, and/or immunological methods is desired.
Preference is for the applicant to commit 2 years to this job as the training is extensive.

Responsibilities

Conduct studies on human sample and perform a variety of genetic disease animal model systems.
Maintain laboratory notebook, computer files of raw data, analyze data, prepare Figures and tables for use in publications.
Present experimental data in laboratory meetings and participate in discussion of the data.
Order supplies, maintain laboratory equipment, perform/schedule routine maintenance, and maintain records to meet institutional standards of safety and biohazard considerations.