Research Specialist 1 - Department of Neuroscience

Job Description Summary

The Zamudio Alcohol Research Lab in the Neuroscience department at MUSC is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated research specialist. This is an ideal role to gain experience in biomedical research and earn proficiency using a variety of techniques including ex-vivo electrophysiology, chemogenetics, calcium fiber-photometry, alcohol exposure protocols and whole-brain light-sheet microscopy. While experience working in rodent models of disease is preferred, it is not required. Nonetheless, a strong disposition for learning new techniques is expected.
Our newly NIH/NIAAA funded project focuses on evaluating the role of the cerebellum in alcohol use disorder using a well-established mouse model of alcohol dependence. This research position constitutes an exciting opportunity to help elucidate how a brain region traditionally studied in the context of movement can modulate addiction-related behaviors, such as the escalation of alcohol consumption in the dependent brain. For specific questions about the project please feel free to contact Paula Zamudio at [email protected]
The ideal candidate must be a highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated, with a degree in a STEM-related discipline and basic knowledge of biomedical research techniques and neuroscience fundamentals. Nonetheless, training will be provided in all aspects of the job. This position start date would be as early as November 2026.

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-GEN06

Pay Range

37,944.00 - 49,266.00 - 60,690.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Zamudio Alcohol Research Lab in the Neuroscience department at MUSC is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated research specialist. This is an ideal role to gain experience in biomedical research and earn proficiency using a variety of techniques including ex-vivo electrophysiology, chemogenetics, calcium fiber-photometry, alcohol exposure protocols and whole-brain light-sheet microscopy. While experience working in rodent models of disease is preferred, it is not required. Nonetheless, a strong disposition for learning new techniques is expected.

Our newly NIH/NIAAA funded project focuses on evaluating the role of the cerebellum in alcohol use disorder using a well-established mouse model of alcohol dependence. This research position constitutes an exciting opportunity to help elucidate how a brain region traditionally studied in the context of movement can modulate addiction-related behaviors, such as the escalation of alcohol consumption in the dependent brain. For specific questions about the project please feel free to contact Paula Zamudio at [email protected]

The ideal candidate must be a highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated, with a degree in a STEM-related discipline and basic knowledge of biomedical research techniques and neuroscience fundamentals. Nonetheless, training will be provided in all aspects of the job. This position start date would be as early as November 2026.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A high school diploma and two years work experience in a 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.
• Knowledge and/or experience with basic cell and molecular biology protocols.
• Ability to learn more advanced wet lab techniques (chemogenetics, slice electrophysiology, calcium fiber photometry)
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team

Additional Knowledge:

• Experience with mouse handling, IP injections, tissue dissection and blood collection.

Job Duties:

30% - Ethanol exposure treatments – Maintain records of Ethanol consumption for in-home cage and operant chamber paradigms. Run Ethanol inhalation chambers; this includes monitoring vapor ethanol levels, prepare and take mice in and out of chambers, collect blood samples and measure blood ethanol concentrations.

25% - Assist/perform stereotaxic intracranial injection surgeries and fiber photometry recordings. This includes surgery preparation and postop care, delivering viral vector agents, and/or installing probes to specific brain coordinates.

25% - Assist/perform electrophysiological recordings. This includes preparing solutions and obtaining live brain slices for electrophysiological recordings. Depending on performance, training to perform ex-vivo whole-cell patch clamp recordings will be done during the first year. 

20% - General Lab Maintenance and Organization – maintain laboratory supplies and consumables, perform routine cleaning of laboratory and tissue culture space, clean glassware and autoclave glassware and plastics, ensure safety and compliance guidelines, introduce new lab members to the lab space and work. Assist the principal investigator in establishing an efficient lab, foster science and training.

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.

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