UNIV - Research Specialist III - Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

1d•$52,100 - $88,600•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the PI, Dr. Sungjin Ko, the individual will support routine and advanced research activities and the overall maintenance of a basic biomedical science laboratory. Responsibilities will include establishing and maintaining transgenic mouse colonies; performing mouse/human histology, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy imaging, and basic cell and tissue culture; preparing solutions and reagents; sterilizing equipment; developing laboratory protocols; and conducting complex molecular and cell biology assays. The individual will also manage laboratory ordering and budget-related activities, assist the PI with reagent selection and procurement, and advise and support the PI and laboratory members across research projects. Work is conducted in a basic biomedical laboratory that focuses on Liver diseases, regeneration and cancer. May require availability to perform tasks at weekends and holidays.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science directly related to the assigned area of research and two years advanced journel-level work experience in a clinical or research setting.
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 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 and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, 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 be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually.
Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in biomedical science or a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or another life science field is preferred.
Strong organizational, record-keeping, and interpersonal communication skills are required.
Experience in laboratory management
Animal husbandry and working with mice
Maintenance and genetic/pharmacologic manipulation of human cells
Laboratory techniques including PCR, recombinant DNA methods, western blotting, cell culture, histology, immunostaining, and microscopic imaging.
Candidates must be able and willing to work with mice.
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 lift materials up to 20 lbs., 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 work in a darkroom for processing film, etc.

Responsibilities

Perform simple to complex laboratory procedures in one or more areas of laboratory investigation such as: cell culture; perform molecule screens, DNA isolation and PCR; mouse colony breeding/maintenance/expansion; Immunohistochemisty, microscopy and a variety of molecular biology procedures.
Facilitate and maintain computerized data entry and record keeping. Maintain inventory of lab supplies, oversee ordering, monitor spending for budgetary and reporting purposes, and ensure maintenance of laboratory databases.
Document protocol optimization and experimental results, analyze data, and advise principal investigator and lab members in adaptation and completion of experimental design and execution.
Train and assist lab members in, 1) the proper protocol for preparing solutions, reagents, media or stains necessary for prescribed tests; 2) operation, calibration and maintenance on specialized equipment; 3) apply standard quality control techniques to assure quality of test results.
Plan, coordinate, and communicate project goals and timetables among diverse, separate research projects, including time/cost budgeting, troubleshooting and protocol revision.