Research Specialist 2 - Department of Biochemistry

Job Description Summary

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) invites applications for a Research Specialist II position in the laboratory of Dr. Huimin Zhang, who joined MUSC as an Assistant Professor in November 2025. This position is available immediately and offers an exciting opportunity to participate in cutting-edge cancer and genome stability research within a highly collaborative academic environment.

The Zhang Laboratory is dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive genomic instability in cancer and to identifying therapeutic vulnerabilities that can be leveraged to improve cancer treatment. Current research focuses on DNA damage response and repair pathways, with particular emphasis on how cells respond to chemotherapy-induced DNA damage and maintain genome integrity. Ongoing projects investigate the mechanisms of action and cellular responses to topoisomerase-targeting agents, with the goal of developing more effective and selective cancer therapies.

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-GEN08

Pay Range

45,300.00 - 61,100.00 - 77,000.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Research Specialist will work closely with the principal investigator and other laboratory members to conduct molecular and cellular biology experiments, perform mammalian cell culture, analyze and interpret experimental data, and assist in the preparation of research reports and presentations. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research projects and support the overall operation of the laboratory in a collaborative team environment.

Additional Knowledge, skill, ability preferred:

• Required to have a minimum Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related subjects.

• Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as PCR, cloning, Western blotting, mammalian cell culture, and microscopy.
• Master’s degree or equivalent research experience.
• Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• The position will remain open until filled.
  
  

Guideline and Supervision:

Must be able to work with little or no supervision.

Job Duties -

1. Conduct Molecular and Cellular Biology Research (30%)

• Work collaboratively with the principal investigator and laboratory members to design and execute research experiments.
• Perform molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA cloning, Western blotting, nucleic acid purification, and related assays.
• Conduct microscopy, functional assays, and other experimental procedures to support ongoing research projects.
• Accurately document experimental procedures, analyze data, and maintain detailed laboratory records.

2. Perform Mammalian Cell Culture and Experimental Procedures (30%)

• Maintain, expand, and characterize mammalian cell lines under sterile culture conditions.
• Perform cell-based assays, drug treatments, genetic manipulations, and other experimental procedures as required.
• Assist in the development and optimization of new experimental protocols.

3. Coordinate Research Activities and Laboratory Resources (20%)

• Assist with laboratory organization, inventory management, and procurement of research supplies.
• Prepare purchase requests, monitor orders, and maintain adequate stocks of laboratory reagents and consumables.
• Coordinate experimental schedules and facilitate communication among laboratory personnel and collaborators.

4. Operate and Maintain Laboratory Equipment (10%)

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment according to established protocols.
• Perform routine quality control procedures and assist with equipment troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety and equipment usage guidelines.

5. Support Overall Laboratory Operations (10%)

• Assist with general laboratory management and administrative tasks to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, training activities, and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with internal and external research partners as needed and perform other duties assigned by the principal investigator.

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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