UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Medicine: Division of Rheumatology

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a candidate who will assist our ongoing research directed toward understanding mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis. The candidate will perform supervised work on several projects using mice, human samples, and cultured cells. General duties will include breeding, weaning and genotyping genetically altered mice, assisting in collection, processing and cataloging tissue samples from mice, culture of primary cells, RNA and protein extraction, performing various biologic analyses (gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCR, immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, etc.), analyzing protein levels in blood of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and controls, and participating in laboratory discussions, organization and regulatory procedures. Maintenance of up-to-date, comprehensive and neat laboratory records will be required.


Will require occasional weekend work.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000975 COM DOM Rheumatology CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-04

Pay Range

33,339.00 - 47,509.00 - 61,680.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

35% - Perform variety of cell and molecular biological techniques, record data. Analyze experimental results using appropriate software; help prepare experimental results for presentation and publication.    

25% - Analyze blood samples or conditioned media for target proteins using ELISA assays.

20% - Assist in culture of primary cells and cell lines, perform gain and loss of function experiments such as siRNA transfection and adenoviral infection.

10% - Maintain mouse colony and perform experimental and routine procedures using established approvals and protocols.

5% - Develop and test new laboratory methods to meet changing needs; troubleshoot experimental protocols.

5% - Maintain laboratory supplies; prepare media, buffers, and other reagents as needed. Keep complete laboratory records/notebook.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred

• The candidate should possess strong organizational and communication skills, a talent for managing diverse tasks and more than one project, and an ability to work well in a team.

• Knowledge about small-volume fluid handling, RNA procedures, tissue culture/sterile technique, mouse manipulation, ELISA, and general cell, molecular, biochemical, and/or immunological methods is preferred, and experience in these areas is desired.

• Experience with molecular biology techniques and primary sterile cell culture techniques preferred.

• Candidate should be highly motivated, detail oriented, and committed to excellence. The ideal candidate will have a keen intellectual interest in the science behind the projects and a demonstrated commitment to increasing their background knowledge about their work. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for stated requirements.

• Proficiency with computers and experience with spreadsheet, statistical, and graphical software are also preferred.  

• Previous experience handling mice is a plus.

• Under supervision from the lab manager and principal investigator, candidate will perform complex biological procedures and analyses in a basic science laboratory. All of the experiments require meticulous technique and the ability to optimize and troubleshoot a variety of different protocols. The candidate will be expected to help prepare experimental results for presentation and publication.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science may be substituted for the two years of required experience.

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb, using step stool. (Infrequent) Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreig