UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Pharmacology & Immunology

Company: Medical University of South Carolina
Location: Charleston
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Summary The de Cubas Laboratory at the Hollings Cancer Center at Medical University of South Carolina is recruiting a Research Specialist I to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of cancer biology and immunology. Our work focuses on understanding how genetic alterations such as SETD2 loss influence tumor immunogenicity and therapeutic response. By combining molecular biology, cell-based systems, and mouse models, we seek to translate mechanistic discoveries into strategies that improve cancer treatment. Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type? Research Grant Cost Center CC001034 COM PHARM Operations CC Pay Rate Type Hourly Pay Grade University-GEN08 Pay Range 45,300.00 - 61,100.00 - 77,000.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description Research Specialist II – The de Cubas Lab (MUSC/Hollings Cancer Center) The selected candidate will be responsible for the maintenance and logistical organization of a basic science laboratory, with particular emphasis on performing cell and molecular biology techniques, and ordering and maintaining lab supplies. We seek a highly motivated individual with previous experience in western blotting, RT-qPCR, and cell culture. Percent Effort This Research Specialist II position will involve providing technical assistance to the Principal Investigator in cancer research studies, as well as assist in lab operations. Specific tasks will be as follows: Cell culture and in vitro functional assays (30%). Maintaining cell lines; viability, migration, etc assay; transfection and infection. Perform routine maintenance of and experimentation in mice (25%). These responsibilities include breeding and weaning, genotyping, and treatment with various agents. Assist with managing mouse colonies. Assists PI in ensuring that lab personnel adhere to IACUC animal protocol. Aid in IACUC inspections. Assist with daily lab operations (20%). The selected candidate will assist with daily lab operations including stocking consumable items and reagents, making buffers, and aliquoting reagents. Facilitate general maintenance of the research space by working with MUSC to ensure that the laboratory area is maintained and that repairs, waste disposal, and cleaning needs are addressed in a timely manner. Perform a number of molecular biology procedures (20%). Molecular biology experimentation employing various techniques, including isolation and purification of nucleic acids and proteins, PCR, Western blot, and plasmid cloning. Proteins will be further analyzed by immunoprecipitation followed by western blot or mass-spectroscopy. Chromatin or RNA immunoprecipitation reactions will be additionally prepared from isolated for downstream analyses. Additional duties assigned by the Principal Investigator (5%). This will include helping prepare lab protocols, figures, and others. Education and Experience: MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science and one year work experience directly related to the assigned research area. Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong organizational, record keeping, interpersonal and communication skills required. Must be able to perform complex calculations, to follow complicated experimental procedures and methods and develop independence with tasks and experiments. Preference will be given to candidates with experience with animal husbandry, and colony management. Prior experience working with mice is valued, and recombinant DNA work, RNA and protein analysis are required. Some weekend, holidays and/or evenings may be required. Previous experience in a laboratory is highly preferred. Must be organized and have attention to detail. All personnel are expected to maintain laboratory notebook. Additional Job Description Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science and one year work experience directly related to the assigned research area. 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. Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

Keywords: Medical University of South Carolina, Savannah , UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Pharmacology & Immunology, Science, Research & Development , Charleston, Georgia