UNIV- HCC Shared Resources Research Specialist III

UNIV- HCC Shared Resources Research Specialist III

Charleston, South Carolina

The Research Specialist III of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Hollings Cancer Center (HCC) Translational Science Laboratory (TSL) Shared Resource core performs various experimental procedures, including operating and maintaining complex scientific instruments at the core. The research specialist teaches and trains the core users, like junior employees, graduate assistants, post-docs, and other users who engage in research with the TSL core, to comply with the standard operational protocols established by the core and oversee their activities at the core.

The research specialist has great opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research based on the novel/established concepts and projects provided by the principal investigators. The research specialist also assists the core director of operations in maintaining and updating the standard workflow and meets with the manager regularly to discuss ways to improve the services provided by the core.

Responsibilities:

• 35% Performs automated nucleic acid extraction, library preparation for different single-cell sequencing (10X Genomics) and different RNA next-generation sequencing (NGS), runs droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), 10X Spatial Transcriptomics, and Nanostring nCounter and GeoMX Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) on various clinical and non-clinical samples. Properly documents the experimental procedures and results, updates users and core manager on experimental status through web-based core management platform.
  
  Conducts experiments according to the standard core-set protocols and performs the experiments in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner. Keeps the laboratory notebooks well organized and up to date with each page numbered, experiments dated and cross-referenced to computer files, records data accurately, analyzes and presents results appropriately in a presentable format (e.g. table, figure, image panel etc.). Makes sure that all the experimental procedures written in the laboratory notebook contain relevant sections according to the standards established by the core.
• 30% Goes through proper training of all the instruments (if not well-versed with them already) to take on independent projects. Develops and standardizes new assay/platform capabilities in-house to support different research platforms (e.g. Promega Maxwell, NGS, single-cell sequencing, Nano String systems, droplet digital PCR, Tape station, Cellometer, Covaris Ultrasonicator, and Miltenyi tissue dissociator); provides project management for studies involving such platforms and proactively consults primary scientific literature when needed.
  
  Teaches and trains new users to follow the standard operation protocols established by the core and oversees their activities at the core.
• 30% Tracks, properly stores, and processes research samples; keeps the standard operation protocols up to date; maintains laboratory records and databases; updates users and core management after completion of a project through an established online platform, assists in preparation of invoices for services provided with specific details; and meets with the manager on regular basis to discuss projects and give updates on project's progress.
• 5% Support Special Projects per the growth needs of the TSL Lab as assigned. An assigned project should be completed on time without any delays.

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 journal-level work experience in a clinical or research setting.

Physical Requirements:

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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°

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