UNIV - Research Specialist - Department of Dermatology

Job Description Summary The Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Specialist I to join the laboratory of Dr. Ting Gong. The Gong laboratory focuses on basic and translational research in dermatology, including skin biology, cutaneous disease models, molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory dermatoses, wound healing, and tumorigenesis.

The Research Specialist I will work under general supervision and support ongoing laboratory research by performing routine molecular, cellular, and histological techniques, assisting with animal studies, and contributing to laboratory organization, safety, and regulatory compliance. This position provides hands‑on research experience in a collaborative academic environment.

• Laboratory Research (35%) Perform routine laboratory experiments under supervision, including mammalian cell culture, western blotting, PCR/RT‑qPCR, histological staining (H&E), immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and multiplex immunofluorescence. Prepare samples for molecular, protein, and imaging analyses in accordance with established protocols and maintain record keeping.
• Animal Research Support (20%) Assist with mouse husbandry and colony maintenance, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, and animal procedures. Perform tissue collection, processing, and sample storage in compliance with approved IACUC protocols.
• Laboratory Management and Operations (20%) Support daily laboratory operations by preparing reagents and buffers, maintaining inventories, ordering and receiving laboratory supplies, organizing laboratory space, and assisting with routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Laboratory Safety and Compliance (15%) Follow MUSC laboratory safety and environmental health policies, assist in biosafety records, and support regulatory compliance activities including IACUC and IBC documentation.
• Data Analysis, Communication & Research Support (10%) Assist with data organization, basic statistical analysis, figure preparation, and interpretation. Support manuscript preparation, grant‑related documentation, and collaborative projects with core facilities and other research groups.

• 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 / 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…