UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Biochemistry

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

A Staff Scientist is needed to conduct and coordinate translational cancer research focused on understanding molecular mechanisms of tumor progression and therapeutic response, as well as identifying novel therapeutic strategies for solid tumors. The successful candidate will join a collaborative research group integrating molecular and cellular biology, cancer pharmacology, tumor immunology, and preclinical models to investigate cancer vulnerabilities and advance new therapeutic approaches.

Requirements

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or related biomedical discipline with a minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience is desired.
• 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 work indoors.
• Ability to bend at the waist.
• Ability to twist at the waist.
• Ability to perform 'pinching' operations.
• 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.
• Possess good finger dexterity.
• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions.
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function.
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected.
• Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand.
• Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance.
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors.
• Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception.
• Good peripheral vision capabilities.
• Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction.
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
• Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually.
• Computer literacy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in cancer biology, molecular and cellular biology, and/or cancer pharmacology is desired.
• Mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell death and stress-response pathways, flow cytometry, microscopy, drug-response assays, genetic manipulation of cancer and normal cells, and preclinical tumor models.
• Experience with bioinformatics, genomic or transcriptomic data analysis, quantitative analysis, or other computational approaches is a plus.
• Experience studying gastrointestinal cancers (including pancreatic, colorectal, liver cancer) and other solid tumors is also desirable.
• Ability to climb stairs.
• Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers.
• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted.
• Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted.
• Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted.
• Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings.
• Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct basic and translational studies investigating molecular mechanisms that regulate cancer cell survival, therapeutic response and resistance, and tumor progression.
• Evaluate novel therapeutic targets and drug combinations, characterizing mechanisms of action and resistance, and validating findings using in vitro and in vivo cancer models.
• Design and perform experiments, analyze and interpret data, contribute to the development of new experimental approaches.
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator and collaborators on manuscripts, presentations, and research grant proposals.
• Assist with training and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and visiting scholars.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional biosafety requirements; organize and maintain research equipment as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree