Job Description Summary
The Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology Research is actively recruiting for a Research Specialist III. The Research Specialist III will manage and supervise a translational drug development laboratory. This Research Specialist will oversee the day-to-day operations, safety, and compliance of the laboratory. A key responsibility will be to train and supervise lab personnel with varying experience levels, such as technicians, students, and post-docs, while maintaining the highest standards for safety, sterility, and reproducibility in our work. This individual will supervise trainees not only while performing in vitro assays (cancer cell lines but also primary, genetically engineered [Adenovirus] cells [mesenchymal stem cells - MSC]) but also in the use of animal models of cancer (mice/rats; syngeneic, xenograft, cell line based as well as patient-derived [PDX] in subQ and orthotopic locations in pancreatic and ovarian malignancies). This person will also maintain, preserve and organize resources located in our freezers (-20C and -80C) and liquid nitrogen tanks. This highly skilled individual will also help others trouble shoot their experiments and will assist with developing new protocols, data collection and analysis, while he/she will also manage and prioritize the utilization of shared equipment.
Entity
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Research Grant
Cost Center
CC001073 COM SURG Surgical Oncology CC
Pay Rate Type
Salary
Pay Grade
University-06
Pay Range
$45,530 - $64,885 - $84,241
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
Job Description
Pay Range:
$45,530.00 - $64,885.00 - $84,241.00 (min - mid - max)
Job Duties:

• 30% - Perform work involving the use of small laboratory animals, including tumor inoculation (orthotopic and subcutaneous [SQ], tumor measurements, fluid and tissue collection; drug and cell injections; performing cellular, chemical, and DNA analyses of blood and tissue samples, and freezing and thawing cells, PBMC isolation and in vitro cell expansion. The techniques that will be utilized include flow cytometry, PCR, qRT-PCR, vector construction (plasmid cloning) and product characterization using functional cell culture assays and biochemical analyses (Western blotting, WES).
• 25% - Some effort will be needed to maintain rodent colonies (50 - 100 cages) and keeping records. Should be capable of assisting in creating new models through crossbreeding techniques. Expertise in genotyping is required. Communicating with other labs regarding transferring mice, providing samples, or needed information and protocol update (IACUC, IBC, EH&S) using the online software support is required.
• 25% - Perform experiments investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in immune cell function. Specifically, the applicant will utilize cell and molecular biology techniques including but not limited to, cell culture, molecular cloning, and enzymatic assays; transfections, infections (adenovirus, retrovirus, lentivirus) and gene expression assays; protein, RNA and DNA isolation and separation; ELISA; Elispot; real-time qRT-PCR; immunostaining and flow cytometry; proliferation and apoptosis assays and immunohistochemistry (IHC, IF).
• 15% - Maintain laboratory instruments, supplies, and equipment. Maintain laboratory notebooks and records related to protocols, policy and regulation. Will be involved in placing orders for the laboratory and communicating with suppliers to ensure that consumable supplies and reagents are timely delivered for the lab personnel. Experience negotiating with vendors for products and service contracts preferred
• Other duties as assigned. -5%

Additional Job Description
Minimum Requirements:
A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science directly related to the assigned area of research and two years advanced journel-level work experience in a clinical or research setting.
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.
The Department of Surgery is dedicated to ensuring the voices of our trainees, staff, faculty, and patients are heard; their thoughts are respected and their feelings are valued. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive culture dedicated to helping shape the field of surgery to be more diverse. We value our residents, fellows, faculty, and staff of every race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. Our goal is to continue to expand our diversity within our talented team, which leads to even more inclusive patient-centered care. Please click on the link below to learn more about our diversity efforts.
https://medicine.musc.edu/departments/surgery/diversity-and-inclusion
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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