Job Description Summary

The Li Lab at MUSC is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Specialist II to join our dynamic neuroscience research team. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain comprehensive research experience while developing knowledge and skills in molecular and cellular neuroscience. Prior expertise in zebrafish handling and/or molecular cloning is preferred.

The Li Lab focuses on understanding brain development and function, with an emphasis on glial cells—non-neuronal cells that exhibit significant diversity in morphology and function. Among these, oligodendrocytes play a crucial role in supporting neuronal activity by forming myelin around axons. Despite their importance, neuron-oligodendrocyte interactions remain poorly understood. The Li Lab pioneers the development and application of cutting-edge molecular biology techniques and in vivo imaging to investigate these dynamic interactions in zebrafish, a genetically tractable model. To learn more, visit our lab website: https://jiaxinglilab.org/.

As a new lab, this is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in learning the full process of lab setup and conducting cutting-edge research. It is especially suited for those seeking personal growth and vigorous training in a nurturing environment. This position is vital for lab operations, experimental assistance, and contributions to neuroscience research. The position will include the training and supervision of more junior lab members.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000984 COM NEURO RES Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-05

Pay Range

38,985.00 - 55,559.50 - 72,134.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

• 25% Lab Setup and Management: Assist the principal investigator in establishing an efficient lab that fosters scientific discovery and training. This includes managing lab operations such as ordering supplies and organizing lab activities, while contributing to a collaborative and supportive work environment.

• 20% Zebrafish Husbandry: Maintain, expand, and breed zebrafish colonies, ensuring a clean and robust fish facility. Collect embryos and conduct animal experiments, including genotyping, CRISPR disruption, transgenesis, and in vivo imaging.

• 20% Molecular and Cellular Assays: Perform PCR, DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 tool development, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescent microscopy. This includes handling plasmids, bacteria, and zebrafish, preparing lab reagents and solutions, and analyzing data for scientific reports.

• 15% Research Collaboration: Collaborate with researchers and provide technical support for ongoing neuroscience experiments.

• 15% Experimental design: Contribute to the planning, design, manuscript writing, grant applications, regulatory documentation, and modification of experiments.

• 5% Communication and Presentation: Organize and participate in lab meetings, present research findings, and contribute to scientific discussions.

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.

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