Job Description Summary

The Smith Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Research Specialist 1 to
join our lab in the Department of Neuroscience. Our lab studies the neurobiology of addiction,
using models of drug dependence and relapse in both rats and mice. We use a very multi-faceted
approach including behavioral and both wet and dry-lab (computational) techniques, including
intravenous drug self-administration, molecular/biochemical techniques, and high-throughput
screening and identification of brain structures and molecules that may be targeted with
pharmacotherapeutics for prevention of relapse. This position will primarily support projects
using transgenic mice to examine cell-type specific contributions to reward, aversion, and
addiction.

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

$29,061 - $41,415 - $53,769

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job duties:

•35% Breeding colony maintenance In order to study contributions of specific types of cells to addictive-like behaviors, we will breed various strains of transgenic mice that express Cre recombinase in different cell types. The person responsible for maintaining this breeding colony must be very well organized and have strong conceptual knowledge of Mendelian genetics. The duties associated with this include pairing of transgenic breeders, monitoring active breeders for new litters, collecting tissue and genotyping using PCR, and weaning mice.

•35% Conducting behavioral experiments in rats and mice (including surgical procedures) We will primarily use the cued reinstatement model of self-administration, but will also use other assays like conditioned place preference, open field, real-time place preference, etc. We will use techniques such as optogenetics and fiber photometry to manipulate and record neuronal activity, respectively. This will include surgical implantation of chronic indwelling jugular catheters, as well as stereotaxic injection of viruses (AAV; BSL-2) and implantation of fiber optic cannulae.

•20% Wet-lab biochemical techniques (e.g. western-blotting, RT-PCR, RNA-Sequencing, RNAscope etc.) These techniques will be the primary endpoint for tissue collected following behavioral experiments listed above. We will use single-nuclei RNA-sequencing for high-throughput identification of transcripts that may underlie addictive-like behaviors (e.g. cued reinstatement), followed by validation via RNAscope and/or RT-PCR, and as projects move forward we will use these techniques to identify biochemical signaling mechanisms underlying reinstatement or other addictive behaviors.

•10% General lab organization Maintain laboratory supplies, place and receive orders, maintain organized records and protocols

Preferred Experience & Additional Skills:

The individual should be highly organized, familiar with the scientific method, hypothesis testing, and experimental control. The individual should be receptive to taking direction from others and be comfortable working as a team. Surgical techniques will require fine motor skills, and behavioral experiments necessitate the ability to calmly handle rodents. The job will be 40 hours a week but will include some weekends or holidays. The individual should be independently motivated with a strong work ethic with minimal supervision from the PI and colleagues.

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience 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:

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.

Additional Job Description

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.

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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