Full-Time
Research Specialist 1
Department of Biochemistry
Posted on 5/9/2026
Medical University of South Carolina
No salary listed
Charleston, SC, USA
In Person
Category
 Biology & Biotech (1) |
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Required Skills
Inventory Management
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.
- Ability to perform job functions in an upright position.
- Ability to perform job functions in a seated position.
- Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile.
- Ability to climb, using step stool.
- Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries.
- Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces.
- Ability to bend at the waist.
- Ability to twist at the waist.
- Ability to fully use both hands/arms.
- Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders.
- Ability to fully use both legs.
- Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions.
- Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction.
- Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted.
- Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted.
- Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted.
- Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted.
- 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.
- Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes, from floor level to maximum height of 72 inches, unassisted.
- Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level.
- Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted.
- Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
- Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes.
- Ability to match or discriminate between colors, normally.
- Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems.
- Ability to hear and/or understand conversations.
- Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc.
- Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Conduct molecular and cellular biology experiments (35%). Work collaboratively with faculty and lab members to design and perform experiments.
- Grow, maintain, expand, and treat mammalian cell lines.
- Perform molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cloning, and Western blotting.
- Conduct microscopy and other functional assays as needed.
- Maintain an organized inventory of reagents and consumables.
- Monitor supply levels and coordinate timely orders.
- Prepare and process purchase requests.
- Track orders and ensure efficient procurement of essential materials.
- Ensure equipment is calibrated, cleaned, and functioning properly.
- Assist with troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by faculty to ensure smooth lab operations.
- Collaborate with internal and external research partners as needed.
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree or equivalent research experience.
- Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as PCR, cloning, Western blotting, mammalian cell culture, and microscopy.
- Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.