UNIV - Staff Scientist II - Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Scientist II position requires a PhD and at least four years of postdoctoral experience. The candidate is expected to manage multiple projects with minimal PI input, contribute intellectually to project development, and implement effective approaches for accomplishing the PI’s research objectives. This role also involves developing new research methodologies and models, preparing manuscripts for publication, and presenting research findings at national meetings. The position is within the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, specifically supporting the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (SC-ADRC). This is a non-tenure track position, with renewal dependent on continued availability of extramural funding. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Requirements

PhD required
At least four years of postdoctoral experience
Considerable experience in biochemistry and molecular biology techniques
Knowledge of cardiovascular diseases, neurofibromatosis, peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases
Publication record in all the above fields
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Eligible for employment in the U.S.
Ability to perform job functions in an upright position (Continuous)
Ability to perform job functions in a seated position (Continuous)
Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile (Frequent)
Ability to climb stairs (Infrequent)
Ability to work indoors (Continuous)
Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers (Frequent)
Ability to bend at the waist (Frequent)
Ability to twist at the waist (Frequent)
Ability to perform 'pinching' operations (Continuous)
Ability to fully use both hands/arms (Continuous)
Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders (Continuous)
Ability to fully use both legs (Continuous)
Ability to reach in all directions (Continuous)
Possess good finger dexterity (Continuous)
Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions (Continuous)
Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function (Continuous)
Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted (Frequent)
Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted (Frequent)
Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted (Frequent)
Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted (Infrequent)
Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings (Frequent)
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected (Continuous)
Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand (Continuous)
Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance (Continuous)
Ability to match or discriminate between colors (Continuous)
Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception (Continuous)
Good peripheral vision capabilities (Continuous)
Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction (Continuous)
Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements (Continuous)
Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually
Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms (Frequent)
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license
Computer literacy
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

Preferential consideration will be given to applicants with the above-mentioned background.

Responsibilities

Develop an independent research project in consultation with the PI (30%): Develop independent research projects in alignment with the PI's goals, including reviewing scientific literature, maintaining laboratory records, and presenting results. Responsible for drafting and publication of results in leading scientific journals and working closely with PI to develop research grant proposals. Extensive work using in vitro human and murine peripheral nervous system cancer cell lines and in vivo animal models. Genetically engineered murine animal model breeding and MPNST xenograft pre-clinical trial studies using intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and/or oral gavage delivery of therapeutics. Draft, edit, and publish high-impact manuscripts and maintain standardized protocols for experimental techniques and equipment operation. Present data at lab meetings and scientific conferences. Collaborate closely with the PI to write, edit, and develop external research grant proposals for federal (NIH, DoD) and private organizations.
Training and supervision of technical staff, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel (10%): Experience with oversight of daily lab needs, activity and budgeting. Maintaining databases of laboratory reagents, cell lines, and ordering supplies. Mentoring students: undergraduate, graduate, medical students, postdocs and visiting scholars. Supervising, advising, and mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical staff on experimental design and approach. Advising and assisting junior members of the laboratory on experimental approaches. Oversight of equipment, developing written protocols of experimental techniques, advising and assisting junior members of the laboratory on experimental approaches.
Lab Management (20%): Manage daily laboratory needs, chemical/cell line databases, safety compliance, and budgeting. Oversee inventory, prepare electronic supply orders, and coordinate the maintenance of equipment and glassware. Maintain IRB protocols, IBC, IACUC protocols and other laboratory protocols as needed.
Community Outreach and Grant-related Development (30%): Engage the community to develop ADRC-related relationships through lectures on neurodegeneration initiatives. Attend local community wellness workshops/expos. Create a family guide as educational and resource materials for caregivers and patients. Work to define objectives and themes for the local SC-ADRC symposium. Develop an agenda for this event, recruit/invite guest speakers, maintain a budget, organize food, develop content for program booklet, obtain sponsor and promote the event. Work closely with SC-ADRC leadership and consultants to accomplish these goals.
Community Education (10%): Create presentations and lectures about developing neurodegeneration initiatives. Interact with local youth by providing educational lectures to supplement local education standards.