UNIV- HCC Shared Resources Research Specialist III

Job Description Summary 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.

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Job Description

Summary:

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.

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, NanoString systems, droplet digital PCR, Tapestation, 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.

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Preferred Qualifications • PhD (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field) with 0–2-year experience or MS degree with at least 3-4 years of relevant experience is preffered • Experience with NGS and/or ddPCR is a plus. • Good understanding of genomics and molecular biology is required. • Excellent troubleshooting and written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to multi-task and excel in a fast-paced environment

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Additional Job Description

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

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.

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