UNIV - Laboratory Specialist I - Department of Medicine: Division of Cardiology

Job Description Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Federica del Monte at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated individual to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on the heart-brain axis, protein misfolding, and proteotoxicity in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

The successful candidate will have a degree in biomedical engineering and strong analytical background, experience with basic molecular biology for which to design and build devices for application in biomedical questions and specifically traumatic injuries. The candidate will have a genuine interest in protein homeostasis, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. The candidate will assist the Principal Investigator and the post-doctoral fellow. The candidate should be capable of conduct independent bioengineering and basic molecular biology experiments, managing a biological sample, and coordinating lab operations across interdisciplinary lines.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000966 COM DOM CARD General CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-GEN06

Pay Range

37,944.00 - 49,266.00 - 60,690.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

• 35% – Develop devices to model traumatic injury and the effect of energy on protein folding. Examine samples after injury for structural and molecular changes.
• 35% – Assist laboratory staff with routine experimental procedures, including basic molecular and biochemical biology (e.g., Western blotting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/genotyping, qPCR), immunocytochemistry/immunohistochemistry (ICC/IHC), and high-resolution imaging of tissue structures and protein aggregates.
• 15% – Define and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records of laboratory procedures, experimental protocols, equipment logs, and metadata in digital and/or hand‑written form. Track safety training and certification records for lab members, proactively contacting institutional safety offices as needed.
• 10% – Maintain, process, and characterize biological specimens (including human tissue samples, biobanked fluids, and murine tissues). 
• 5% – Respond to occasional laboratory emergencies (e.g., -80°C freezer or liquid nitrogen malfunctions) in a timely manner, including during off‑hours when needed. Perform additional duties as requested by the PI to support ongoing general lab operations.

Preferred Requirements

A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, neuroscience, or other natural, life, or healthcare science may be substituted for the two years of required experience.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and one year work experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting, in a health care setting or in a general maintenance or machine shop environment. A bachlor's degree in a related scientific discipline may be substituted for the required work 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. (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