UNIV-Research Specialist II-Department of Biochemistry

Job Description Summary The laboratory of Dr. Daniel Sprague has an opening for a collegial, self-motivated Research Specialist II to start between September 2024-November 2024. The Sprague Lab is a new drug discovery and chemical biology laboratory that focuses on understanding signaling pathways to ultimately develop new small molecules to treat different diseases. Currently, there are projects in epigenetic and GPCR signaling pathways related to cancer, Neglected Tropical Diseases, and neurotransmitter biochemistry. Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Research Grant Cost Center CC000954 COM BIOCHEM Operations CC Pay Rate Type Hourly Pay Grade University-05 Pay Range 38,985.00 - 55,559.50 - 72,134.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description Job Description: The laboratory of Dr. Daniel Sprague has an opening for a collegial, self-motivated Research Specialist II to start between September 2024-November 2024. The Sprague Lab is a new drug discovery and chemical biology laboratory that focuses on understanding signaling pathways to ultimately develop new small molecules to treat different diseases. Currently, there are projects in epigenetic and GPCR signaling pathways related to cancer, Neglected Tropical Diseases, and neurotransmitter biochemistry. MUSC Minimum Education 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 Experience: The preferred candidate will have a Master’s degree in Biology or a related subject, demonstrated managerial skills, and previous research experience in cellular and molecular biology. Experience in high-throughput screening is a benefit, but not required. Job Duties: Performs mammalian tissue culture including transfection and gene knockdown (20%) Grows, maintains, expands, and treats mammalian cell lines Develops, evaluates and implements new or modified culture procedures Improves laboratory methods of tissue culture Performs small molecule screening, fluorometric assays, cellular viability assays, BRET/FRET/Calcium Flux assays, etc. Along with this, maintains small molecule libraries in workable form (20%) Performs DNA/RNA/Protein analysis (15%) Extracts DNA/RNA/Protein from mammalian cells. Analyzes DNA/RNA/Protein by (q)PCR, Western Blot, and other standard techniques. Prepares well-organized daily laboratory records of experimental procedures and results (10%). Places orders and maintains laboratory supplies. Keeps exceptional laboratory records including lab and office supply inventory, ordering information, and inventory of common stocks (plasmids, bacteria, cell lines, and antibodies) (10%). Learns from and train others on specialized lab skills (10%). Presents research routinely to the lab at lab meetings and participate in lab meeting discussions (5%). Processes orders for the laboratory. Help keep the lab safe, clean, and compliant. Help maintain and set-up laboratory equipment (5%). Upon request, performs other tasks requested by faculty to maintain a smooth operation of laboratory (5%). 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: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees