UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Biochemistry

Company: Medical University of South Carolina
Location: Charleston
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Summary The department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a motivated and collegial Research Specialist in the laboratory of Dr. Jennifer Stancill. The lab focuses on pancreatic beta-cells, which secrete insulin in response to an increase in blood sugar and are damaged or destroyed during the progression of diabetes. The lab works in vitro (mammalian cell culture), ex vivo (mouse and human tissues), and in vivo (mouse models). Experimental techniques we use include qPCR, SDS PAGE, western blot, ELISA, plate reader assays, and fluorescence microscopy, among others. While experience in these systems and techniques is welcome, hands-on training will be provided for all required tasks. More information about the Stancill lab can be found on the lab website: https://stancilllab.owlstown.net/ 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 39,764.00 - 56,670.00 - 73,576.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description The research specialist will work under general supervision of the PI to conduct laboratory experiments, maintain mouse colonies and cell lines, and organize laboratory supplies. The position requires a motivated, well-organized individual with excellent communication skills. Additional Knowledge, Skills, Ability Preferred: Previous experience in mouse husbandry and handling and tissue culture are preferred but not required. Training will be provided if applicant has no prior experience in these techniques. Guideline and Supervision: Must have the ability to think creatively and work independently as well as part of a team. Job Duties: 25% - Mouse husbandry, handling, and experimentation Maintain mouse colonies (setting up breeding pairs, weaning, ear tagging, genotyping, etc.) Assist in isolation of pancreatic islets from mice. 25% - Basic biochemical and molecular biology experiments RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, quantitative PCR analysis, protein isolation, SDS PAGE, western blotting, fluorescence and absorbance-based plate reader assays, etc. 20% - Mammalian tissue culture Grow, maintain, expand, and treat mammalian cell lines. Culture and treat mouse pancreatic islets. 15% - Management of laboratory activities and supplies Order, organize, and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies. Prepare common laboratory reagents. Make sure laboratory is clean and operational. Maintain the laboratory in a safe and clean condition. 10% - Laboratory record-keeping Prepare daily records of experiments and results. Maintain organized records of laboratory procedures and protocols. 5% - Additional duties assigned by the Principal Investigator This may include collaborations with internal and external colleagues and performing other tasks to maintain smooth operation of the laboratory. 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

Keywords: Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston , UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Biochemistry, Energy / Utilities , Charleston, South Carolina