MUSC Health · 1 month ago
UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Neurosciences
Charleston, SC
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
$33K/yr - $48K/yr
2+ years expMedical University of South Carolina (MUSC Health) is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist I to join the Lavin Lab in the Department of Neuroscience. The role involves conducting advanced molecular biology experiments, managing animal care, and overseeing laboratory operations to support addiction research funded by the NIH.
Health CareHospitalMedical
Responsibilities
Independently perform advanced molecular biology experiments, including immunohistochemistry on fixed brain tissue and quantitative PCR (qPCR) on homogenized brain samples. Responsibilities include conducting intracardial perfusions in rats, preparing and sectioning fixed brain tissue, and acquiring high quality images for analysis. The experiments require precise imaging and quantification of intracranial injection sites and cellular populations, as well as accurate documentation and interpretation of experimental results. Experiments demand strong technical proficiency, attention to detail, and adherence to rigorous scientific and animal care standards in support of ongoing research objectives
Independently conduct complex behavioral experiments in rats and mice with a focus on assessing cognitive function. Responsibilities include daily animal care and handling, including safe transport of animals from DLAR facilities to the laboratory. The behavioral assessments require proficiency in managing and training animals on multiple behavioral paradigms designed to evaluate cognitive deficits, as well as the ability to accurately monitor, record, and interpret performance outcomes. Additional duties include maintaining detailed experimental records, ensuring compliance with institutional animal care standards, and contributing to the refinement and optimization of behavioral protocols to support research objectives
Independently perform advanced intracranial surgical procedures in rats and mice, encompassing all aspects of surgical care. Responsibilities include pre-surgical planning and preparation, induction and monitoring of anesthesia, execution of precise neurosurgical interventions, and comprehensive post-operative monitoring. Conduct regular health assessments to ensure animal welfare and compliance with institutional and federal guidelines
Oversee the management of rat and mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, and accurate record-keeping to maintain experimental timelines. Responsibilities include monitoring animal health and welfare, coordinating routine health assessments, and ensuring compliance with institutional and federal animal care standards. Independently track and organize genotyping data to maintain accurate colony records, support experimental needs, and facilitate efficient study design
Solely responsible for overall laboratory operations and maintenance, including monitoring and replenishing consumable supplies, maintaining chemical inventories in compliance with safety regulations, and preparing standard and specialized stock solutions to support ongoing neuroscience experiments. Ensured accuracy in labeling, documentation, and storage to maintain experimental reproducibility and compliance with institutional protocols
Qualification
Required
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
Ability to perform job functions in an upright position
Ability to perform job functions in a seated position
Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile
Ability to climb, using step stool
Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries
Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces
Ability to bend at the waist
Ability to twist at the waist
Ability to fully use both hands/arms
Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders
Ability to fully use both legs
Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions
Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction
Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted
Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted
Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted
Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted
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
Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes, from floor level to maximum height of 72 inches, unassisted
Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level
Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted
Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes
Ability to match or discriminate between colors, normally
Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems
Ability to hear and/or understand conversations
Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc
Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually
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
Company
MUSC Health
MUSC Health provides health-care services through its patient- and family-centered care, education, research, and various partnerships. It is a sub-organization of Medical University of South Carolina.
Founded in 1824Charleston, South Carolina, USA
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$133MKey Investors
Armadale Capital
2019-12-19Debt Financing· $133M
Leadership Team
Erik Summers
Chief Medical Officer
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