Univ – Senior Staff Scientist

Job Description Summary

Seeking highly motivated individual(s) to fill a Senior Staff Scientist position in a mitochondrial research laboratory in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Current work in the laboratory is centered on mitochondrial dysdynamism in cardiomyopathy, neuropathy, and ageing. Research in the laboratory has two major foci: 1. Mitofusin-mediated mechanisms of mitochondrial dysdynamism (impaired fusion, fission and motility) and altered mitophagy; and 2. Translational aspects of mitochondrial dysdynamism and altered mitophagy in genetic disorders caused by mitofusin 2 mutations.

Mitofusins (MFN1 and MFN2) are multifunctional proteins located on outer mitochondrial membranes. Mitofusins: 1. Initiate and mediate the first stage of reparative mitochondrial fusion; 2. Regulate mitochondrial transport in neuronal axons; and 3. Act as Parkin receptors on mitochondria to facilitate PINK-Parkin mediated mitophagy. The Dorn Lab discovered that mitofusin multifunctionality is determined by its ability to assume different 3-dimensional conformations that permit it to bind to different protein partners mediating fusion, motility and mitophagy. MFN conformation is regulated in nature by phosphorylation of specific serine and threonine moieties, but these changes can be mimicked using MFN2-derived peptides and small molecule peptidomimetics developed in out laboratory. The latter are being developed as potential therapeutics for cardiac, neurological, and age-related disorders in which defective mitochondrial fusion, fission, transport, or quality control contribute to disease pathology.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or M.D., general experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, protein expression, and cell biology, and a track record in publishing high impact research within the research focus areas. Ideally, the candidate will have extensive hands-on experience using cell culture and genetically modified rodent models to evaluate mitochondrial diseases. Expertise in performing neuroelectrophysiological and neuromuscular function studies in mice and rats, and in rodent echocardiography, would be ideal. Furthermore, experience using C. elegans would be desirable. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in the training of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and other research staff using confocal microscopy, the above tests, and general molecular and biochemical techniques (RT-PCR, immunoblotting, cell culture, tissue preparation for histological and immunohistological studies, etc). The candidate will also be expected to present his/her work at regular group meetings and national/international scientific conferences and publish his/her findings in collaboration with the PI in high impact scientific journals.

Applicants must be eligible for employment in the U.S. This is a non tenure-track position, with renewal dependent on continued availability of extramural funding. Start date is negotiable although preference will be given to candidates that can begin immediately. Salary range is commensurate with experience. For fullest consideration, send electronic file containing statement of research interest and experience, curriculum vitae, and names of three references to: Gerald W Dorn II MD, email: [email protected].

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC001060 COM REG MED Administration CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

50% Design and implement research studies in consultation with the PI. Individual will be responsible for the design and implementation of experiments in the area of mitochondrial dynamics in human disease and preclinical models. This will require reading of the scientific literature to obtain up-to-date information on the research relevant to the projects that the candidate is working on. Must maintain accurate and up to date laboratory records. Will be responsible for presenting results to PI in individual and group meetings.

30% Assist with daily maintenance of laboratory, training and supervision of technical staff, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel. This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining various databases of laboratory reagents, oversight of equipment, developing written protocols of experimental techniques, advising and assisting junior members of the laboratory on proper experimental approaches such as with PCR genotyping, cell culture, protein gel electrophoresis, animal handling and maintenance and treatment, animal phenotyping studies for neurological and cardiac disease.

10% Present work at local, regional, national and international meetings. Will be responsible for publication of results in leading scientific journals. Will work closely with PI to develop research grant proposals.

10% Assist with ordering of laboratory materials.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: Ph.D. , M.D. or equivalent with five years post-doctorate experience plus evidence of scholarly activity as demonstrated by at least five first author publications.

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. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform ’pinching’ operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent)

Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. 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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