UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Neurosciences

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

1d • $46,206 - $78,540

About The Position

The Flanigan Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Research Specialist II to work as a technician supporting long-term research on social behaviors in mouse models of addiction, depression, and sleep dysfunction. The lab uses circuit neuroscience methods including fiber photometry, opto/chemogenetics, electrophysiology, anatomical tracing, in-situ hybridization, and transcriptomic analyses. Experience with every method is not required; enthusiasm for research and learning new skills is expected.

The role is suited to an organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated person with basic knowledge of biomedical research techniques and neuroscience fundamentals. It may provide a recent STEM graduate with further research experience before graduate or medical school. The position offers opportunities to develop skills, contribute to research manuscripts, and potentially lead an independent project. The successful candidate will help establish lab practices and a productive working environment, and will work both collaboratively and independently. The ideal candidate can start in or before January 2027.

The position is an employee role in the Research Grant worker sub-type, paid hourly, with 40 scheduled hours per week. The posted pay range is $46,206–$78,540, with a midpoint of $62,322.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or another natural, life, or health care science.
• One year of work experience directly related to the assigned research area.
• Basic knowledge of biomedical research techniques and neuroscience fundamentals.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Flexible and able to work both as part of a team and independently.
• Enthusiasm for research and willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and overtime as required.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, and equipment as required.
• Ability to perform the listed physical duties, including lifting and carrying specified materials and equipment, working in confined spaces and temperature extremes when required, and qualifying for respirator use.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in mouse neuroscience research.
• Experience with fiber photometry, opto/chemogenetics, electrophysiology, anatomical tracing, in-situ hybridization, or transcriptomic analyses.
• A STEM-related degree and interest in gaining research experience before graduate or medical school.
• Ability to start in or before January 2027.

Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory supplies and consumables; clean laboratory and animal behavior spaces and glassware; autoclave surgical supplies; place and track supply and equipment orders; and balance lab finances.
• Assist with basic animal husbandry for breeding and experimental animals; monitor, cull, and rehouse mouse lines to support studies and maintain colony populations.
• Conduct mouse behavioral experiments, including alcohol drinking and operant alcohol self-administration, locomotion, depression- and anxiety-related, and social behavior studies.
• Perform intracranial mouse surgeries for opto/chemogenetics, anatomical tracing, gene manipulation, and fiber photometry experiments.
• Collect tissue and perform laboratory assays such as immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridization, qPCR, and RNA sequencing; keep standard laboratory solutions stocked and refreshed.
• Work with the principal investigator to maintain best practices and institutional approvals related to chemical hazards, laboratory safety, animal welfare, and controlled substances.
• Help establish lab practices and a working environment for future lab members; contribute to research manuscripts and, if desired, lead an independent research project.

What This Job Offers

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