UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Biochemistry

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Dr. Delaney, PhD, has an opening in his laboratory for a self-motivated Research Specialist II, to start in the range of April 2026 to June 2026. This position will be dedicated to research tasks to obtain data for the lab and enable the Research Specialist to utilize and further grow their advanced technical capability in the biological sciences. On the research side, projects are centered on investigating how chromosome changes alter cell biology, particularly in the context of cancer using live mice and cell lines as model systems. We use big data, machine learning, AI, and other cutting edge biological tools like CRISPR-Cas9 and genetically engineered mouse models to address these research questions. As an exciting professional development opportunity, the Research Specialist I will be serving as laboratory manager, managing all aspects of daily laboratory function and regulatory compliance. Opportunities to learn and use R for data science are also available if desired. Connections to medical oncologists are present in the lab. Authorship credit on papers is intended regarding any results generated by the Research Specialist. For the advanced Research Specialist II position, candidate is expected to have extensive basic, non-clinical research laboratory experience related to job description above. The ideal candidate is very well organized and able to create documentation in Word, Excel, and Google Docs. The Research Specialist must be able to work well in a team setting. Previous experience with mice, cell culture, and bacterial plasmid preps is desired but not required.

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 basic, non-clinical research laboratory experience related to job description above.
Very well organized and able to create documentation in Word, Excel, and Google Docs.
Must be able to work well in a team setting.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with mice, cell culture, and bacterial plasmid preps.

Responsibilities

Serve as lab manager. This role includes: keep the lab safe, clean, and compliant. Multi-month prior to deadline updates to IBC, IACUC, Tick@Lab, safety SOP and training signatures for lab members, and other regulatory system updates as the regulatory environment changes. Maintain and set up laboratory equipment. Ensure teammates are fulfilling required tasks designated by Dr. Delaney.
Perform advanced mouse cancer experiments. Inoculate human and mouse cancer cells into mouse models, including using advanced orthotopic methods and immunodeficient strains. Monitor tumor growth and mouse safety, including weights, gait, and food or water consumption. Collect tissue for further experimentation.
Maintain mouse colony. Ensure adequate breeders are routinely in stock. Wean pups, perform marking on animals, and genotype during weaning. Coordinate appropriate size of colony with PI, lab members, and university managed facilities. Order animals as needed from outside vendors.
Advanced biological assays, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, westerns, qRT-PCR, DNA isolation, lentivirus, perform microscopy, and analyze data in a reportable format. This will include manipulation of plasmids, bacteria, human, and mouse cell lines. All other methods are standard molecular biology techniques used in laboratories.
Learn from and train others advanced specialized lab skills
Collaborate with research cores on and off campus for samples which require processing from any lab member. Keep exceptional records for where biological samples are and follow up with cores as needed to acquire rapid results and return of biological samples
Keep exceptional laboratory records including lab and office supply inventory, ordering information, common stocks (plasmids, bacteria, cell lines, and antibodies).
Present your research routinely to the lab at lab meetings and participate in lab meeting discussions. Presentations should have publication-quality formatting.
Process orders for the laboratory.