Job Description Summary
The purpose of this Research Specialist position is to study the cellular and
molecular basis of retinal health and disease using physiological and biochemical methods. The
position requires work with animals and animal tissue, occasional work in a cramped space and
in the dark under dim red light.Entity
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)Worker Type
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type?
Research GrantCost Center
CC000988 COM Ophthalmology CCPay Rate Type
HourlyPay Grade
University-05
Pay Range
$37,860 - $53,957 - $70,054Scheduled Weekly Hours
40Work Shift
Job Description
Job duties: Essential or Marginal Duties %
25% -Prepare reagents, dissect eyes and obtain viable ocular tissue for physiological and biochemical measurements; prepare reagents, culture, treat, and harvest cells for physiological and biochemical measurements
25% -Carry out experiments with animals, ocular tissues, and cultured cells; use organic solvents to extract lipid and vitamin A metabolites from tissues and cells and analyze the extracts with chromatography (HPLC, TLC) or with mass spectrometry; prepare tissue sections; perform immuno-staining of tissues and cells using fluorescence microscope
20% -Organize and analyze results of physiological and biochemical measurements with computer software (specialized imaging software, Excel, and other); maintain experimental and animal records
15% -Maintain equipment and tools used for experiments
15% -Care and breeding of experimental animals; genotyping of experimental animals (with PCR)
Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed upon entry to the job: A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural or life science is required. A minimum of one (1) year work experience in a research laboratory setting is required. College courses in chemistry and in biological sciences strongly preferred. Experience with animal research is preferred.
Guidelines and supervision employee will receive in order to perform duties, including the employee’s independence and discretion: Employee will receive day to day supervision from PI, but will also need to be capable of working independently over extended periods of time.
Additional Job Description
Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science and one year work experience directly related to the assigned research area. 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.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.
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