UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Medicine: Division of Infectious Diseases

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The Meissner Research Lab in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Department of Medicine at MUSC is seeking a Research Specialist II candidate who is highly motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to excellence. The goal of our research is to understand the mechanisms of lambda interferon signaling through the lambda interferon receptor 1 (IFNLR1) with an aim towards identifying new ways to manipulate this pathway for treatment of viral infections. Under supervision of the Principal Investigator and Staff Scientist, the candidate will perform complex biological procedures and analyses in a basic science and translational laboratory. All experiments require meticulous technique and the ability to optimize and troubleshoot a variety of different protocols. The candidate will be expected to help prepare experimental results for presentation and publication. This role 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.
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.
Experience with primary and established cell line culture techniques including cell expansion, transfection and characterization.
Proficiency with molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qRT-PCR, and molecular cloning.
Experience with protein and cellular assays, including western blotting, flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy.
Familiarity with analysis and interpretation of biologic datasets, including proteomic and transcriptomic data.

Responsibilities

Maintain, expand and characterize mammalian primary cells and cell lines under sterile culture conditions. Perform cell-based assays, treatments, genetic manipulations and other experimental procedures.
Perform cellular and molecular biological techniques including isolation of RNA/DNA, DNA cloning, PCR/qRT-PCR, western blotting, flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy.
Accurately document experimental procedures and data in electronic notebook. Analyze data and perform statistical analyses using appropriate software such as GraphPad. Participate in weekly laboratory meetings. Assist with preparations for presentations and publications.
Assist with day-to-day laboratory operations, including inventory management, selection and ordering of reagents and equipment maintenance.