UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Pharmacology & Immunology

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The de Cubas Laboratory at the Hollings Cancer Center at Medical University of South Carolina is recruiting a Research Specialist I to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of cancer biology and immunology. Our work focuses on understanding how genetic alterations such as SETD2 loss influence tumor immunogenicity and therapeutic response. By combining molecular biology, cell-based systems, and mouse models, we seek to translate mechanistic discoveries into strategies that improve cancer treatment. The selected candidate will be responsible for the maintenance and logistical organization of a basic science laboratory, with particular emphasis on performing cell and molecular biology techniques, and ordering and maintaining lab supplies. We seek a highly motivated individual with previous experience in western blotting, RT-qPCR, and cell culture. This Research Specialist II position will involve providing technical assistance to the Principal Investigator in cancer research studies, as well as assist in lab operations. Specific tasks will be as follows:

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.
• Strong organizational, record keeping, interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Must be able to perform complex calculations, to follow complicated experimental procedures and methods and develop independence with tasks and experiments.
• Prior experience working with mice is valued, and recombinant DNA work, RNA and protein analysis are required.
• Must be organized and have attention to detail.
• All personnel are expected to maintain laboratory notebook.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience with animal husbandry, and colony management.
• Previous experience in a laboratory is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cell culture and in vitro functional assays (30%). Maintaining cell lines; viability, migration, etc assay; transfection and infection.
• Perform routine maintenance of and experimentation in mice (25%). These responsibilities include breeding and weaning, genotyping, and treatment with various agents. Assist with managing mouse colonies. Assists PI in ensuring that lab personnel adhere to IACUC animal protocol. Aid in IACUC inspections.
• Assist with daily lab operations (20%). The selected candidate will assist with daily lab operations including stocking consumable items and reagents, making buffers, and aliquoting reagents. Facilitate general maintenance of the research space by working with MUSC to ensure that the laboratory area is maintained and that repairs, waste disposal, and cleaning needs are addressed in a timely manner.
• Perform a number of molecular biology procedures (20%). Molecular biology experimentation employing various techniques, including isolation and purification of nucleic acids and proteins, PCR, Western blot, and plasmid cloning. Proteins will be further analyzed by immunoprecipitation followed by western blot or mass-spectroscopy. Chromatin or RNA immunoprecipitation reactions will be additionally prepared from isolated for downstream analyses.
• Additional duties assigned by the Principal Investigator (5%). This will include helping prepare lab protocols, figures, and others.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level