UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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Job Description

Entity: MUSC University
Department: COLLEGE OF MEDICINE - COM-Biochemistry
Employee Type: UNIV - Research Grant
Location: Charleston, SC-Main Campus
Categories: Research
Pay scale: UNIV-Band 4: $28,216.00 - $40,210.00 - $52,204.00 (min - mid - max)

Job Summary:  The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a motivated and collegial Research Assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Sahin. The lab focuses on cancer drug resistance and metastasis.  Specifically, the lab is seeking to understand mechanisms of drug resistance to identify novel drug targets.  A second goal of the lab is to identify and develop novel anti-cancer agents as novel therapeutic strategies to target these highly aggressive, treatment-refractory cancers.

Job Purpose: To conduct laboratory analytical procedures, operate laboratory equipment, and maintain laboratory supplies in Biochemical, Molecular, and Cellular Biology.

Additional Knowledge, skill, ability preferred: Required to have a minimum Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related subjects. Preferred to have Master’s degree or previous research experience in advanced molecular and cell biology techniques and animal handling/breeding.

Guideline and Supervision: Must be able to work with little or no supervision.

Job Duties -List job duties and provide the percentage based on that breakdown. Must Equal 100%

Performs mammalian tissue culture (30%)

Grows, maintains, expands, and treats mammalian cell lines

Develops, evaluates and implements new or modified culture procedures

Improves laboratory methods of primary tissue culture

Performs mouse handling functions (30%)

Breeding of mice with minimal supervision

Performs mouse genotyping and help maintain animal (mouse) colonies

Assist in routine in vivo experiments, such as xenograft models of cancer.

Prepares laboratory records (20%).

Prepares daily records of experimental procedures and results

maintain laboratory supplies

Extracts DNA/RNA/Protein from mammalian cells. Analyzes DNA/RNA/Protein by PCR, Northern Blot, and Western Blot (15%)

Upon request, performs other tasks requested by faculty to maintain a smooth operation of the laboratory (5%).

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience 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.

MUSC 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 foreign countries. (Infrequent)
Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Continuous)
Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent)
Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent)
Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous)
Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent)
Ability to fully use both legs. (Frequent)
Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent)
Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction. (Continuous)
Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted. (Frequent)
Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted. (Frequent) 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. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes, from floor level to maximum height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level. (Frequent)
Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted. (Frequent)
Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous)
Ability to match or discriminate between colors, normally. (Continuous)
Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems. (Continuous)
Ability to hear and/or understand conversations. (Continuous)
Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. (Continuous)
Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually. (Continuous)

Additional New Requirements:

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.

Additional Job Description

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees