UNIV-Research Specialist II-Department of Biochemistry - MUSC

Job Description SummaryThe department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a motivated and collegial Research Assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Han, which will join MUSC on Aug 1st, 2024. The Han lab focuses on the panc...

Job Description Summary

The department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a motivated and collegial Research Assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Han, which will join MUSC on Aug 1st, 2024. The Han lab focuses on the pancreatic cancer, which is a major and deadly cancer type. Pancreatic cancer is driven by DNA mutations in the epithelial tumor cells and is also characterized by a dense stroma primarily composed of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The goal of the Han lab is to better understand CAFs and their interactions with tumor cells and other components in the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, the Han lab aims to investigate tissue origin(s), heterogeneity, and function of pancreatic CAFs. Precise characterization and fine-tuning of the tumor microenvironment hold tremendous potential for better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

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

$37,860 - $53,957 - $70,054

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Description:

The department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a motivated and collegial Research Assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Han, which will join MUSC on Aug 1st, 2024. The Han lab focuses on the pancreatic cancer, which is a major and deadly cancer type. Pancreatic cancer is driven by DNA mutations in the epithelial tumor cells and is also characterized by a dense stroma primarily composed of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The goal of the Han lab is to better understand CAFs and their interactions with tumor cells and other components in the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, the Han lab aims to investigate tissue origin(s), heterogeneity, and function of pancreatic CAFs. Precise characterization and fine-tuning of the tumor microenvironment hold tremendous potential for better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Preferred Requirements:

Required to have a minimum Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related subjects and one year of experience. Preferred to have Master’s degree or previous research experience in mouse breeding and colony maintenance.

Job Duties:

Maintain transgenic mouse colony and breeding of small animals (30%)

- Breeding of mice with minimal supervision

- Ear clipping and genotyping of mice

- Assist animal experiments

Performs mammalian tissue culture (20%)

- Grows, maintains, expands, and treats mammalian cell lines

- Develops, evaluates and implements new or modified culture procedures

Performs DNA/RNA/Protein analysis (20%)

- Extracts DNA/RNA/Protein from mammalian cells.

- Analyzes DNA/RNA/Protein by PCR, qPCR, and Western Blot

Prepares laboratory records (15%).

- Prepares daily records of experimental procedures and results

Maintain laboratory supplies (10%).

- Orders and places laboratory supplies

Upon request, performs other tasks requested by faculty to maintain a smooth operation of laboratory (5%).

- Performs collaborations with inside and outside colleagues

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