UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Ophthalmology

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

1d • $45,300 - $77,000 • Onsite

About The Position

A Research Specialist II position is available for vision science-related projects, specifically on identifying mechanisms of mtDNA transfer related pathology of the eye and development of therapeutics. This project is highly collaborative, requiring an applicant with a strong interest and motivation for interdisciplinary research, ability to design and execute experiments, and help manage projects. Experience with cell biology, drosophila or mouse experiments, histology, microscopy, or cell cultures or iPSC-cell cultures will be advantageous.

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 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

• Experience with cell biology, drosophila or mouse experiments, histology, microscopy, or cell cultures or iPSC-cell cultures

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments on cultured cells and analyze biochemical reactions.
• Perform biochemical and immunological assays on fresh tissues and cultured cells. These assays include PCR, western blot, ELISA, resistance measurements, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence.
• Contribute to other research projects in the lab, share expertise with fellow lab members proper equipment uses and lab protocols, support lab coordination and ordering
• Maintain detailed account of experimental procedures and results, take leadership roles in study design, identification of new protocols or modification of existing protocols, and give advice to PI.
• Present results through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at local, national and international meetings, help in the preparation of grant applications with PI
• Characterize the protective effects of a research compound on mtDNA in tissue culture models
• Perform experiments in the mousemodels to characterize mitochondrial structure and ocular function in response to a research compound.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level