UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Pharmacology & Immunology

Research Specialist I position at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to assist in day-to-day lab maintenance and experiments with the Principal Investigator.

About the Role

This role involves performing laboratory work with small animals, conducting cellular and molecular experiments, maintaining rodent colonies, and managing laboratory instruments and supplies.

Responsibilities

• Perform work involving small laboratory animals, including:
  • Measuring tumors and collecting fluids and tissues
  • Administering drugs and cells
  • Performing cellular, chemical, and DNA analysis of blood and tissue samples
  • Freezing and thawing cells
  • Utilizing techniques such as flow cytometry and PCR
• Perform experiments investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in immune cell function using techniques including:
  • Cell culture and molecular cloning
  • Enzymatic assays
  • Transfections and gene expression assays
  • Protein, RNA, and DNA isolation and separation
  • ELISA, real-time RT-PCR, immunostaining, and flow cytometry
  • Proliferation and apoptosis assays
  • Immunohistochemistry
• Maintain rodent colonies, keep records, and assist in creating new models through crossbreeding techniques
• Communicate with other labs for transferring mice, providing samples, or sharing information and protocol updates using online software
• Maintain laboratory instruments, supplies, and equipment
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and records related to protocols, policies, and regulations
• Place orders for laboratory supplies and communicate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of consumables and reagents

Requirements

• A high school diploma and two years of work experience in a clinical or research setting
• A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life, or health care science may substitute for the two years of required experience
• Ability to work independently or with limited supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with immunological testing, including:
  • Intracellular Cytokine Staining
  • Cytokine Bead Assay
  • ELISA and ELISPOT
  • MNC Isolation by Ficoll Gradient
  • Tetrameric Peptide Staining
  • Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Assay
• Knowledge and skill in flow cytometry and hematology
• Previous experience with dendritic cells, T-cells, and/or islet isolations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform job functions in upright, seated, and walking/mobile positions
• Ability to work in temperature extremes (32°F to 100°F) and confined/cramped spaces
• Ability to bend, twist, and reach in all directions
• Ability to use both hands/arms and legs fully, including performing repetitive motions
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function and 20/40 vision, corrected
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors
• Ability to hear and recognize alarms and conversations
• Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film
• Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually
• Lifting and carrying requirements:
  • Lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted (infrequent)
  • Lift and carry 4-liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted (frequent)
  • Lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted (infrequent)
  • Lift file boxes from floor level to countertops, unassisted (frequent)
  • Push/lift 40 lbs. centrifuge rotors from floor level to 40 inches height, then down 20 inches into centrifuge drum, unassisted (infrequent)
  • Lift 25 lbs. boxes from floor level to a maximum height of 72 inches, unassisted (infrequent)
  • Push/pull file boxes at floor level (frequent)
  • Maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted (frequent)

Pay

Pay range: $33,339.00 - $47,509.00 - $61,680.00 (minimum - midpoint - maximum), with a pay grade of University-GEN06.

Schedule

• Scheduled weekly hours: 40
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required
• Ability to work overtime as required