UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Neurosciences

Job Description Summary The Li Lab in the Department of Neuroscience at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist I to join a dynamic and growing neuroscience research program. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to gain comprehensive training in molecular biology, genetics, microscopy, image analysis, and animal research while contributing to cutting-edge discoveries in nervous system development and function. The Li Lab investigates how neurons communicate with glial cells to shape brain development, plasticity, and function. Our research focuses on oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system, and their interactions with neurons. We combine molecular genetics, CRISPR-based approaches, advanced microscopy, and in vivo imaging in zebrafish to study these questions at cellular and molecular resolution. As a relatively new and rapidly growing laboratory, this position provides a unique opportunity to participate in all aspects of research, from experimental design and data collection to analysis and laboratory operations. The ideal candidate will be intellectually curious, eager to learn, highly organized, and enthusiastic about contributing to a collaborative research environment. The position is particularly well suited for individuals seeking substantial research experience and professional development through sustained participation in an active research program. Successful candidates will be expected to develop increasing levels of independence in experimental execution, troubleshooting, data analysis, and project ownership. To learn more about the lab, please visit: Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Research Grant Cost Center CC000984 COM NEURO RES Operations CC Pay Rate Type Hourly Pay Grade University-GEN06 Pay Range 37,200.00 - 48,300.00 - 59,500.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description Job Duties 30% – Research Projects and Experimental Support Conduct and support neuroscience research projects under the supervision of the principal investigator. Assist with experimental planning, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Contribute to the development and optimization of new experimental approaches. 20% – Zebrafish Husbandry and Animal Research Maintain and expand zebrafish colonies. Perform breeding, embryo collection, genotyping, transgenesis, and CRISPR-based experiments. Assist with animal care and management of the zebrafish facility. 20% – Molecular and Cellular Biology Perform molecular biology techniques including PCR, cloning, DNA/RNA isolation, plasmid preparation, CRISPR/Cas9 tool development, and immunohistochemistry. Assist with microscopy, image analysis, and quantitative data processing. Prepare reagents, maintain laboratory stocks, and support ongoing experiments. 15% – Laboratory Operations Assist with ordering, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and general laboratory organization. Help maintain a productive, collaborative, and safe research environment. 10% – Scientific Communication and Professional Development Participate in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, and scientific discussions. Assist with preparation of figures, manuscripts, presentations, and grant-related materials. Present research findings within the laboratory and at institutional events as appropriate. 5% – Additional Duties Perform other research-related duties as assigned. Preferred Qualifications: Prior undergraduate research experience. Experience with molecular biology, microscopy, image analysis, animal research, or computational analysis. Demonstrated curiosity, problem-solving ability, and enthusiasm for scientific research. Interest in developing increasing levels of experimental independence and project ownership. Prior zebrafish experience is not required; training will be provided. Additional Job Description Minimum Requirements: 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. 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.