UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Pharmacology & Immunology

Job Description Summary

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.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC001034 COM PHARM 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

Research Specialist I – The de Cubas Lab (MUSC/Hollings Cancer Center)

Percent Effort

This Research Specialist I 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:

Perform a number of molecular biology procedures (35%). Molecular biology experimentation employing various techniques, such as isolation and purification of proteins and nucleic acids. Proteins will be further analyzed by immunoblot analysis.

Cell culture and in vitro functional assays (30%). Maintaining cell lines and performing various assays.

Assist with daily lab operations (25%). The selected candidate will assist with daily lab operations including stocking consumable items and reagents, making buffers, and aliquoting reagents.

Perform routine maintenance of and experimentation in mice (10%). These responsibilities include weighing and measuring mice and treating with compounds. Assists PI in ensuring that lab personnel adhere to IACUC animal protocol.  Aid in IACUC inspections.

Required Minimum Education and Experience:

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience 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.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Previous experience in a laboratory. 

• Strong organizational, record keeping, interpersonal and communication skills required.

• Must be able to perform calculations, to follow experimental procedures and methods and develop independence with tasks and experiments.

• Prior experience working with mice is valued.

• Some weekend, holidays and/or evenings may be required.

• Must be organized and have attention to detail. All personnel are expected to maintain laboratory notebook.

Position start date: April 2025

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: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees