UNIV - Research Specialist II - Pharmacology & Immunology

Job Description Summary The Research Specialist II will work closely with the Principal Investigator to generate high-quality data for high impact publications, conference presentations and clinical translation. The ideal candidate will have prior hands-on experience with cell culture, DNA/RNA processing, molecular cloning, gene transduction, flow cytometry, and handling mice. Duties include cell culture, molecular cloning, PCR, T cell transduction, flow cytometry, in vitro functional assays of immune effector cells, and measuring antitumor activity in mice. Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Research Grant Cost Center CC001034 COM PHARM Operations CC Pay Rate Type Hourly Pay Grade University-GEN08 Pay Range 45,300.00 - 61,100.00 - 77,000.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description The Caraballo Galva Laboratory in the Hollings Cancer Center and the Department of Pharmacology and Immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina has an open position for a Research Specialist II. The lab focuses on developing the next generation of synthetic switches and tools that will accelerate the clinical translation of CAR T cells and that will render them both safe and effective against solid tumors. Duties/Responsibilities: 30% - CAR-T cell work: Execute experiments involving T cell isolation, activation, viral transduction and expansion. Responsibilities include performing CAR T cell functional assays such as repeat killing, cytokine production, CAR phenotyping, and immunofluorescent staining. Detect CAR expression, perform lentivirus and retrovirus production. 30% - Molecular biology and wet lab operation: Isolate RNA and DNA from samples and process samples for single cell RNA sequencing, perform molecular cloning, miniprep and maxiprep of DNA. Design and run PCRs. Duties include measuring cytokine production using ELISA or Luminex assays, performing and analyzing experiments including multi-parameter flow cytometry and IncuCyte. Organize lab space and keep track of lab reagents and materials. 30% - Mouse work: Perform cell therapy experiments in mice, measure BLI, process peripheral blood, and isolate mononuclear cells and specific cell subsets. Responsibilities include keeping mouse records and mouse inventory. Perform mouse IV, SC and IP injections. Monitor mice throughout experiments. Collect and process tumors. Perform mouse surgeries as needed. 10%- Laboratory operations and mentorship: Maintain lab records of reagents and orders, generate reports and summarize experimental results. Maintain lab notebook updated. Keep record of lab SOPs, receive lab orders, and assist in training junior staff on experimental techniques. MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science and one year work experience directly related to the assigned research area. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in basic science or a related field. One year of relevant experience. Additional Job Description Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science and one year work experience directly related to the assigned research area. 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. 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. Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: Thank you for wanting to be part of the Medical University of South Carolina team. Whether you want to teach the next generation of health care leaders, innovate new business models, discover the next breakthrough or provide patient care, there's a role for you that fuels your passion and takes advantage of your skills. There are career opportunities available in academics, research, hospital medicine, physician practices and support services, from patient billing to IT. As an applicant, you can search jobs for all MUSC entities as well as search by category and location. MUSC attracts more than $250 million annually in research funding, making it the biggest magnet for biomedical, extramural research dollars of all institutions of higher learning in South Carolina. The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program aims to advance clinical and translational science to increase the speed at which new treatments become available to patients. MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise, operates a 750 bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children’s Hospital, the Ashley River Tower (cardiovascular, digestive disease, and surgical oncology), Hollings Cancer Center (one of fewer than 70 elite National Cancer Institute designated centers), a Level I Trauma Center and the Institute of Psychiatry. In addition, there are more than 100 outreach clinics, hospital/health system affiliations, and telehealth sites. U.S. News & World Report placed us among the top one percent of all American hospitals, with 11 specialties in the top 50. The MUSC Medical Center is also one of only three Magnet® designated hospitals in South Carolina.