UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Neurosciences

Job Description Summary

The Lavin Lab in the Department of Neuroscience is looking for a highly motivated interactive Research Specialist I to join the research team. The purpose of this position is to work as part of an addiction research team that studies cognitive deficits elicited by drugs of abuse for an NIH funded grant. The individual should be able to: take direction from others, work in a team environment, work independently, and be a troubleshooter. The job is 40 hours per week, includes weekends, and holidays. The individual should be able to maintain a high work ethic with minimal supervision from the PI and colleagues and have knowledge of techniques such as immunohistochemistry, qPCR and western blots.

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

33,339.00 - 47,509.00 - 61,680.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

35%: Independently perform advanced molecular biology experiments, including immunohistochemistry on fixed brain tissue and quantitative PCR (qPCR) on homogenized brain samples. Responsibilities include conducting intracardial perfusions in rats, preparing and sectioning fixed brain tissue, and acquiring high quality images for analysis. The experiments require precise imaging and quantification of intracranial injection sites and cellular populations, as well as accurate documentation and interpretation of experimental results. Experiments demand strong technical proficiency, attention to detail, and adherence to rigorous scientific and animal care standards in support of ongoing research objectives.

 25%: Independently conduct complex behavioral experiments in rats and mice with a focus on assessing cognitive function. Responsibilities include daily animal care and handling, including safe transport of animals from DLAR facilities to the laboratory. The behavioral assessments require proficiency in managing and training animals on multiple behavioral paradigms designed to evaluate cognitive deficits, as well as the ability to accurately monitor, record, and interpret performance outcomes. Additional duties include maintaining detailed experimental records, ensuring compliance with institutional animal care standards, and contributing to the refinement and optimization of behavioral protocols to support research objectives.

 20%: Independently perform advanced intracranial surgical procedures in rats and mice, encompassing all aspects of surgical care. Responsibilities include pre-surgical planning and preparation, induction and monitoring of anesthesia, execution of precise neurosurgical interventions, and comprehensive post-operative monitoring. Conduct regular health assessments to ensure animal welfare and compliance with institutional and federal guidelines.

 10%: Oversee the management of rat and mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, and accurate record-keeping to maintain experimental timelines. Responsibilities include monitoring animal health and welfare, coordinating routine health assessments, and ensuring compliance with institutional and federal animal care standards. Independently track and organize genotyping data to maintain accurate colony records, support experimental needs, and facilitate efficient study design.

 10%: Solely responsible for overall laboratory operations and maintenance, including monitoring and replenishing consumable supplies, maintaining chemical inventories in compliance with safety regulations, and preparing standard and specialized stock solutions to support ongoing neuroscience experiments. Ensured accuracy in labeling, documentation, and storage to maintain experimental reproducibility and compliance with institutional protocols.

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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