UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Biochemistry

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

About The Position

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina is hiring a Research Specialist II for Dr. Noel Warfel’s laboratory. The lab uses biochemistry, molecular biology, and live-cell imaging to study how hypoxia affects tumor metastasis and therapeutic resistance, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic strategies for solid tumors, particularly prostate cancer. The position conducts laboratory analytical procedures, operates laboratory equipment, and maintains supplies for biochemical, molecular, and cellular biology research. Work includes laboratory management, mammalian tissue culture, experimental design and execution, molecular analysis, live-cell imaging, mentoring students and postdoctoral researchers, and assisting with figures and manuscripts or grant applications. The specialist collaborates with colleagues inside and outside the university and must be able to work with little or no supervision.

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.
Ability to work with little or no supervision.
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.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting and carrying materials and equipment, performing repetitive movements, and working in confined spaces and temperature extremes when required.
Ability to maintain required vision, color discrimination, hearing, and olfactory function, and to be physically qualified for respirator use initially and annually.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Previous research experience with biochemistry and molecular biology techniques.

Responsibilities

Maintain laboratory supplies and stocks; order and receive materials.
Keep detailed inventories of cell lines, chemicals, and plasmids.
Grow, maintain, expand, and treat mammalian cell lines.
Develop, evaluate, and implement new or modified culture procedures.
Improve laboratory methods for primary tissue culture.
Design and perform experiments and maintain accurate, rigorous laboratory records.
Extract DNA, RNA, and protein from mammalian cells for analysis.
Perform and analyze live-cell imaging.
Mentor students and postdoctoral researchers in the lab.
Assist the principal investigator with preparing figures and writing manuscripts and grant applications.
Collaborate with colleagues within and outside the university.
Conduct laboratory analytical procedures, operate laboratory equipment, and maintain laboratory supplies.