UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Biochemistry

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a motivated and collegial Research Specialist II in the laboratory of Dr. Judit Jimenez Sainz. The Jimenez Sainz Lab focuses on the Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes BRCA1/2 and PALB2, key guardians of genome integrity whose mutations lead to high risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and melanoma cancers. BRCA1/2 and PALB2 play essential roles in repairing double strand breaks through homologous recombination and in maintaining replication fork stability. The lab has three major research goals: 1. Define the impact of genetic variants in BRCA1/2 and PALB2 on protein localization and function to better understand cancer risk and therapy response. 2. Identify novel therapeutic strategies to sensitize tumor cells based on mislocalization of BRCA1/2 and RAD51. 3. Characterize the crosstalk between homologous recombination and replication machinery in response to platinum drugs and PARP inhibitors.

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

Master’s degree or previous research experience in molecular biology techniques and protein purification.
Ability to think creatively, work independently and collaborate effectively within a team.

Responsibilities

Mammalian tissue culture: Grow, maintain, expand, and treat mammalian cell lines
Develop, evaluate, and implement new or modified culture procedures
Improve laboratory methods for primary tissue culture
Bacterial culture and cloning: Grow bacteria and extract DNA for molecular applications
Clone genetic variants into the phCMV1 backbone
DNA/RNA/Protein analysis: Extract DNA, RNA, and protein from mammalian cells
Perform PCR, Northern blot, and Western blot analyses
Laboratory record keeping: Maintain detailed daily records of experimental procedures and results
Preparation of laboratory buffers and solutions: Prepare daily buffers, reagents, and solutions for experiments
Laboratory supply maintenance: Order and organize laboratory supplies
Additional duties as assigned
Collaborate with internal and external colleagues
Handle unsealed radioactive materials and/or operate radiation‑producing equipment