UNIV – Research Specialist – Department of Pharmacology & Immunology

Job Description

Research Specialist I position is to assist in day‑to‑day lab maintenance and experiments with the Principal Investigator.

• Perform work involving the use of small laboratory animals, including measuring tumors, collecting fluids and tissues; administering drugs and cells; performing cellular, chemical, and DNA analysis of blood and tissue samples, and freezing and thawing cells. Techniques include flow cytometry and PCR.
• Perform experiments investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in immune cell function. Work involves cell and molecular biology techniques including cell culture, molecular cloning, enzymatic assays, transfections, gene expression assays, protein, RNA, and DNA isolation and separation; ELISA; real‑time RTPCR; immunostaining and flow cytometry; proliferation and apoptosis assays and immunohistochemistry.
• Maintain rodent colonies, keep records; assist in creating new models through crossbreeding techniques; communicate with other labs, transferring mice, providing samples, or needed information and protocol updates using the online software support.
• Maintain laboratory instruments, supplies, and equipment. Maintain laboratory notebooks and records related to protocols, policy, and regulation. Place orders for the laboratory and communicate with suppliers to ensure consumable supplies and reagents are delivered in a timely manner.

• Experience with immunological testing preferred, including intracellular cytokine staining, cytokine bead assay, ELISA, ELISpot, MNC isolation by Ficoll gradient, tetrameric peptide staining, cytotoxic T lymphocyte assay.
• Knowledge and skill in flow cytometry and hematology preferred. Previous experience with dendritic cells, T‑cells, and/or islet isolations preferred.
• Candidate must be able to work independently or with limited supervision.

A high school diploma and two years of 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.

Ability to perform job functions in an upright, seated, and standing position, walk, and move items as necessary; ability to climb using step stool, lift materials up to 20 lbs, push/pull and maneuver heavy equipment. Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100° F), confined spaces, and rotating shifts, including overtime. Ability to maintain good vision, color discrimination, hearing, and be qualified physically for respirator use as required.

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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