Neuroscience Research Specialist – Stem Cells & CRISPR

MUSC Health; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Neuroscience Department seeks a Research Specialist to join the Schmidt Lab, focusing on early brain development and cancer susceptibility. The role involves tissue culture, genome editing, and translational research with opportunities for growth in a nurturing environment.

Start date as early as November 2026. Ideal candidates have a STEM degree or equivalent experience, strong organizational skills, and a keen interest in neuroscience or cancer

Qualifications

• High school diploma and two years of experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree may substitute for experience.
• Knowledge and/or experience with basic cell and molecular biology protocols
• Ability to learn advanced wet lab techniques (genetic editing, flow cytometry, sequencing library prep)
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team
• Experience with culturing mammalian cells, human pluripotent stem cells, embryonic stem cells, or organoids
• Experience with molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (cloning, qRT-PCR, gene knockdown, immunoblotting/immunofluorescence)
• Previous experience with mice
• Genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9) experience

Responsibilities

• Tissue culture work with stem cell lines, primary cells, and brain organoids; maintain cultures and inventories.
• Wet lab procedures including cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, RNA/protein isolation, qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunostaining.
• General lab maintenance, safety, and onboarding of new lab members; assist PI in lab setup.
• Animal husbandry and surgical procedures in mice; intracranial injections and tumor growth studies.

Skills

Cell & molecular biology

Mammalian cell culture

Genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9)

Molecular cloning

qRT-PCR

Immunoblotting / immunofluorescence

Mouse handling

Independent worker / teamwork

Strong organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma + 2 years relevant experience

Job description

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Neuroscience Department seeks a Research Specialist to join the Schmidt Lab, focusing on early brain development and cancer susceptibility. The role involves tissue culture, genome editing, and translational research with opportunities for growth in a nurturing environment.

Start date as early as November 2026. Ideal candidates have a STEM degree or equivalent experience, strong organizational skills, and a keen interest in neuroscience or cancer