UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Neurosurgery

Company: Medical University of South Carolina
Location: Charleston
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Summary 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 in handling and processing of 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. A staff scientist position at the Hollings Cancer Center (NCI-designated cancer center) of the Medical University of South Carolina is available in the newly forming Strickland Laboratory. 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. Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type? Research Grant Cost Center CC000986 COM NSGY General CC Pay Rate Type Salary Pay Grade University-00 Pay Range 0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description Job Duties: 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. Degree of Supervision: 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. Additional Job Description 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. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) 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. 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, Goose Creek , UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Neurosurgery, Science, Research & Development , Charleston, South Carolina