Job Description Summary

The Bharioke Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Research Specialist 1 to join our lab in the Department of Neuroscience. This position is ideal for individuals looking to gain more hands-on laboratory experience in a circuits and developmental neuroscience lab.

The lab focuses on understanding the rules underlying the organization and function of cortical circuits, throughout the lifespan of the mouse. We employ a variety of techniques to accomplish these goals, in vivo, combining experimental approaches (deep tissue calcium imaging, optogenetics, and chemogenetics) with creative computational analyses. Experience in some of these techniques would be a plus, along with an inquiring mind and an enthusiasm for learning (and potentially improving) novel techniques.

The ideal individual for this position will have the capacity to work independently, and the drive to push past potential difficulties and come up with creative solutions. This individual should show initiative, be a self-starter and highly motivated, with a strong work ethic. A calm demeanor will also be a plus, as cranial window surgeries require patience and fine motor skills and behavioral experiments with rodents are sensitive to experimenter stress.

The individual will be one of the first members of the lab, and will interact closely with both the PI and other members of a growing group. This will entail both the ability to perform experiments independently along with the flexibility to work as a team, when necessary. Further, they may be expected to both learn from, and teach other members of the lab. Finally, the individual can expect that their work will contribute to answering novel questions in neuroscience, and to publishable units in the future. If so, they will be included in those publications.

This position is full time (40 hours per week) and largely during normal business hours, however occasional weekend or work on holidays may also be present.

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-04

Pay Range

32,686.00 - 46,578.50 - 60,471.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

20% Conducting Surgical Procedures in Mice

Learn and perform cranial surgeries in mice, for the purpose of optical imaging and / or manipulations of neurons within cortex. Learn and perform viral injections to target genetically defined populations of neurons (using BSL2 level procedures).

20% Conducting Behavioral Monitoring, Habituation, and Training in Mice

Habituate mice to demonstrate changes in cognitive states (including transitions to and from unconsciousness, and transition to and from sleep). Monitor mice during these changes, both with and without associated optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations. Design and train mice to perform cognitive tasks, reliant on one or more sensory inputs.

20% Optical recordings and manipulations in head-fixed Mice

Learn and perform imaging from head-fixed mice using both one and two-photon microscopy, to obtain recordings of activity of genetically defined neurons and /or manipulate the activity of groups of genetically defined neurons.

15% Computational analysis of imaging data

Use programming languages, such as (but not limited to) MATLAB and Python, to analyze data derived from both imaging and behavioral experiments.

10% Breeding Colony Planning and Maintenance

The lab maintains a number of transgenic mouse lines that will need to be monitored, assigned to studies, and culled to maintain proper colony population. This will involve planning, to ensure necessary breeding lines are present in the lab, as well a confirmation of the genotype following crosses.

10% Wet Lab Procedures

Postmortem tissue collection and processing for various assays, including (but not limited to) immunohistochemistry and RNAseq.

5% Contributing to Scientific Environment

Participate in laboratory and departmental events, including lab meetings (where they may present data), and departmental seminars (when possible). The applicant will be encouraged to attend scientific conferences to expand their knowledge base

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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