UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Biochemistry

Job Description Summary

A Staff Scientist is needed to conduct and coordinate translational cancer research focused on understanding molecular mechanisms of tumor progression and therapeutic response, as well as identifying novel therapeutic strategies for solid tumors. The successful candidate will join a collaborative research group integrating molecular and cellular biology, cancer pharmacology, tumor immunology, and preclinical models to investigate cancer vulnerabilities and advance new therapeutic approaches.

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

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Conduct basic and translational studies investigating molecular mechanisms that regulate cancer cell survival, therapeutic response and resistance, and tumor progression. Studies will utilize human and murine cancer models and integrate molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and quantitative approaches. Research will include evaluating novel therapeutic targets and drug combinations, characterizing mechanisms of action and resistance, and validating findings using in vitro and in vivo cancer models.

The Staff Scientist will design and perform experiments, analyze and interpret data, contribute to the development of new experimental approaches, and work closely with the Principal Investigator and collaborators on manuscripts, presentations, and research grant proposals. The position will also assist with training and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and visiting scholars.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Perferred:

Experience in cancer biology, molecular and cellular biology, and/or cancer pharmacology is desired. Relevant expertise may include mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell death and stress-response pathways, flow cytometry, microscopy, drug-response assays, genetic manipulation of cancer and normal cells, and preclinical tumor models. Experience with bioinformatics, genomic or transcriptomic data analysis, quantitative analysis, or other computational approaches is a plus. Experience studying gastrointestinal cancers (including pancreatic, colorectal, liver cancer) and other solid tumors is also desirable.

A PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or related biomedical discipline with a minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience is desired.

Job Duties:

• Experimental cancer biology and therapeutic studies – 30%: Design, coordinate, and perform studies examining molecular mechanisms of cancer progression, therapeutic response, and resistance. Conduct drug-response and combination studies and evaluate candidate therapeutic targets using established cancer models.

• Cell culture and cancer model development – 20%: Maintain and experimentally manipulate human and murine normal and cancer cell lines, along with other relevant cancer models. Perform genetic and pharmacologic perturbation studies as needed.

• Molecular, cellular, and biochemical studies – 15%: Perform molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemical techniques, including Western blotting, quantitative PCR, RNA and protein isolation, immunostaining, microscopy, and related assays

• Flow cytometry and functional assays – 10%: Perform flow cytometry, cell proliferation and viability assays, cell death assays, cytokine or immune-related assays, and other functional studies relevant to cancer biology and therapeutic response.

• Data analysis and interpretation – 10%: Analyze experimental and high-dimensional datasets using appropriate statistical and quantitative approaches and integrate results across experimental platforms.

• Manuscripts and grant development – 10%: Work closely with the Principal Investigator and collaborators to prepare manuscripts, presentations, and research grant proposals and contribute to the development of new research directions
• Laboratory training and operations – 5%: Assist with training and supervision of students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and visiting scholars. Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional biosafety requirements; organize and maintain research equipment as needed.

Additional Job Description

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. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. 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