UNIV-Research Specialist I-Dr. Rohrer's Lab-Department of Ophthalmology

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

Job Description:

Job Description Summary The purpose of this Research Specialist position is to study the cellular and molecular basis of retinal health and disease using physiological and biochemical methods. The position requires work with human cells and animals. Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type? Research Grant Cost Center CC000988 COM Ophthalmology CC Pay Rate Type Hourly Pay Grade University-04 Pay Range 33,339.00 - 47,509.00 - 61,680.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description Job Description: The purpose of this Research Specialist position is to study the cellular and molecular basis of retinal health and disease using physiological and biochemical methods. The position requires work with human cells and animals. 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 Experience: A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural or life science is required. A minimum of two (2) years' work experience in a research laboratory setting is required. College courses in biological sciences strongly preferred. Experience with animal research is preferred. Job Duties: 35%- Prepare tissue culture and iPSC cells for cell biology questions. Work in clean room and establish monolayers for experiments. 20%- Analyze cells and supernatants collected from cell monolayers using molecular biology techniques (western, ELISA, QRT-PCR). 20%- Image mouse eyes in vivo and collect eyes and serum from mice following sacrifice. Analyze samples using molecular biology techniques (western, ELISA, QRT-PCR). 15%- Organize and analyze results of physiological, biochemical and molecular measurements with computer software (specialized imaging software, Excel, and other); maintain experimental and animal records. 10%- Maintain equipment and tools used for experiments 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

Keywords: Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston , UNIV-Research Specialist I-Dr. Rohrer's Lab-Department of Ophthalmology, Science, Research & Development , Charleston, South Carolina