UNIV - Research Specialist - Department of Neurosciences

Job Description Summary

The Cowan Lab at MUSC is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Specialist I to join our preclinical development team for the Pathways to Hope Program. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain comprehensive research experience while developing knowledge and skills in molecular and cellular neuroscience.

The Cowan Lab focuses on understanding brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders, with an emphasis on high-risk genes associated with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia. These molecules function during typical brain development to control the proper establishment and remodeling of excitatory and inhibitory connections in the brain. Abnormalities in these genes in humans often produce intellectual disability and autism-associated symptoms, and the lab observes similar “symptoms” in mice engineered to have disruptions in these same genes.

By understanding the role of these NDD-linked genes during development, the lab seeks to leverage this information to develop novel therapeutics that might help mitigate debilitating symptoms in affected individuals to increase their quality of life. To learn more, visit our lab website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in learning the preclinical drug development process and conducting cutting-edge research. It is especially suited for those seeking personal growth and vigorous training in a nurturing environment. The candidate is expected to have basic, non-clinical research laboratory experience (minor, including summer or part-time experiences, count). The ideal candidate is very well organized and able to create documentation in Word, Excel, and Google Docs.

The Research Specialist must be able to work well in a team setting. Previous experience with mice, rats, surgical procedures, aseptic technique, cell culture, and bacterial plasmid preps is desired but not required.

• 25% Perform Mouse Gene Therapy Experiments:
  Requires surgical training and approval by DLAR. Perform administration of candidate therapeutic into animal models. Ensure proper preparation and handling of candidate therapeutic pre- and post-administration. Maintain surgical records and clear documentation of experimental conditions using a scheduling database made in Excel. Assist with tissue sample collection and processing for molecular and/or histological analysis.
• 25% Mouse Behavior Phenotyping:
  Collaborate with core technicians and perform mouse behavior assays and data analysis. Previous experience preferred but not required.
• 25% Molecular and Cellular Assays:
  Perform PCR, DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, transfection, western blot, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescent microscopy. This includes handling plasmids, bacteria, primary murine cell lines, and immortalized cell lines; preparing lab reagents and solutions, and analyzing data for scientific presentation and reports.
• 15% Mouse Husbandry:
  Assist the Laboratory Manager to maintain, expand, and breed mouse colonies. Collect tissue samples and conduct animal experiments, including genotyping, and support the development of in vivo imaging.
• 10% Communication and Presentation:
  Organize and participate in lab meetings, present research findings, and contribute to scientific discussions.

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.

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. Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. Ability to climb, using step stool. Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100°

F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries. Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. Ability to bend at the waist. Ability to twist at the…