Job Description Summary

The Research Specialist I position is open at the Adilbay Lab at Medical University South Carolina and Hollings Cancer Center. This individual will work as part of a team of chemists, biologists, MDs, and imagers seeking to harness the power of fluorescence imaging for the diagnosis of cancer and in guiding surgery. The lab focuses on novel imaging techniques and new sensor technologies.

Anticipated start date: July-August 2024

About us:
Our mission at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is straightforward: to eradicate cancer.
As one of only 72 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the nation and the largest academic-based cancer research program in South Carolina, Hollings’ mission is to reduce the cancer burden in South Carolina and nationally through innovative research, exceptional education and training, multidisciplinary patient care, statewide cancer prevention programs, and progressive public policy transformation. We aim to find cures and improve the quality of life for those living with cancer.

We seek to recruit a scholar who uses contrast agents for molecular imaging/therapeutic applications. The Adilbay’s Lab is new and seeks to cultivate an interactive, proactive and supportive environment. Ideal candidates will be self-driven, curious, organized, responsible, and collegial.

Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor of Science (RA) in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Life Science, or related field (premed is
welcome as well)
• A minimum of one year of undergraduate research experience is required.
• Skills in chemistry, microscopy, and molecular imaging are highly preferred.
• Ability to coordinate complex assignments on a day-to-day basis.
• Ability to follow instructions with an eagerness to learn and grow professionally.
• Good verbal and written communication skills

Laboratory Skills
• Candidates with experience in cell culture, imaging, and animal work are preferred.
• Experience of work on HPLC, mass spec, and skills in chemistry (conjugation, click chemistry,
work with targeted small molecules and antibodies)
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and resilience
• High motivation, proactive, solution-oriented approach


Interested Candidates are invited to submit a Cover Letter describing previous research experience and career goals, curriculum vitae, along with names of three referees to:

Dauren Adilbay, MD, Ph.D.
Mobile: +16467301948 (iMessage or WhatsApp only)
Email: [email protected]

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000995 COM OTO Head & Neck Oncology CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-04

Pay Range

32,686.00 - 46,578.50 - 60,471.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

20% Assist post-doc/PI in designing and implementing lab and animal research experiments. The specialist will assist in designing lab and animal research experiments. He/she will have to independently perform some experiments and seek the necessary support from more experienced members in other more advanced experiments. 

15% Perform data management activities. The specialist will store, properly organize, and analyze all the data generated from the experiments using software like imageJ, Prism, R, and others.

10% Collaborate with members of the research team in developing and implementing strategies for effective management of lab/animal studies. The specialist will be in continuous interaction with all the members of the research team and collaborators to effectively use and manage bench experiments and animal studies. He/she should be able to collaborate in experiments that will require several different expertise from members of our lab and collaborating labs and institutions.

10% Perform lab management and order all required equipment and disposables. The specialist will be in charge of general lab management regarding the functionality of equipment and availability of all necessary disposables and order them in a timely fashion.

10% Assist in the preparation of scientific manuscripts, and abstracts. The specialist will be able to assist and be the co-author of all the research manuscripts and presentations in which they had meaningful contributions.

10% Assist in the management of grant budgets. The specialist will assist the PI in the management of the lab budget in regard of lab equipment maintenance, disposables, inventory, etc.

10% Perform lab and animal experiments designed and planned by the postdoc or PI of the lab. The specialist will perform bench and animal experiments pre-designed by the postdoc or PI after appropriate training.

5% Prepare regulatory documentation and participate in reporting and communications for scientific and IRB review. The specialist will be working on assisting in preparing multiple regulatory documentation including study protocols, animal study protocols, and hazardous compound handling SOPs, and will assist in working with members of the scientific and IRB review board. 

5% Maintaining equipment and inventory. The specialist will be controlling functionality and regular maintenance of all lab equipment and inventory to assist in the smooth run of experiments.

5% Management of animal colonies in the vivarium with the assistance of vivarium personnel. The specialist will be in charge of the management of animal colonies the lab has in the vivarium to make sure of effective use and availability for the 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