UNIV - Staff Scientist - Department of Neurosurgery

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist interested in brain tumor immunology, a 1-year position at the Medical University of South Carolina. The scientist would be responsible for handling and processing human brain tumor specimens including cryopreservation and tissue dissociation, extraction of nucleic acids, flow cytometry, microscopy imaging, single-cell RNA sequencing, and data analysis. The scientist would also be expected to assist with animal cancer model experiments including genetic tumor models, implantation of tumor cells, and eventually administration of therapies.

A background in molecular and cell biology, immunology, or neuroscience is desirable; however, otherwise motivated candidates interested in brain tumor research will be considered. Interest in clinical outcomes research of brain tumors is a strong plus.

Our primary aim is to understand the role of tumor heterogeneity and the tumor immune microenvironment as it permits immune tolerance in brain tumors. Our goal is to translate basic cancer immunology into targeted clinical immunotherapies. We are particularly interested in glioblastoma and aggressive subtypes of meningioma. We focus on the interplay of immune cell proportions and communications within the tumor immune microenvironment as it correlates with tumor progression.

• 30%:
  Assist with experimental data collections involving brain tumor human tissue processing. Collects samples (FFPE and in vivo), performs sample analyses, and extracts measurement data from experiments.
• 30%:
  Assist with study design and maintenance of study organization, including data entry and data storage through both document hard copies and electronically and to adapt new procedures, methods, or instrumentation relative to research procedures. This job duty includes organizing, writing, and renewing human (IRB) protocols, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining communication with the institutional IRB.
• 15%:
  Oversee media preparation and equipment maintenance; quality control analysis reagents
• 10%:
  Supervise other personnel in the laboratory to coordinate research efforts for increased efficiency; participate in training of other lab members as needed
• 10%:
  Assist with ordering and procurement of supplies and equipment and with general maintenance of laboratory
• 5%:
  Other duties as assigned

MUSC Minimum Training and

Experience:

A Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent with two years postdoctorate experience.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred:

• Proficiency with immunology and/or tumor genetics investigations
• Familiarity with single cell RNA sequencing workflow and data processing
• Familiarity with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence
• Weekend, holiday, and evening work as required for experiments.

This position will work under direct supervision of the Strickland Brain Tumor Immunology PI, which will require numerous meetings on weekly and ad hoc bases. The staff scientist will primarily work in MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center, with an expectation to attend meetings and other project-related activities as necessary.

Physical requirements:

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, seated, walking, and other postures as described; including lifting up to 30 lbs., bending, twisting, reaching, finger dexterity, vision, hearing, and other listed capabilities. The description includes a comprehensive set of physical abilities and tolerances required to perform duties, including respirator qualification and ability to work in isolated areas.

Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s 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.

Note:

The following description is provided for job function expectations and may include language about work environment.

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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