Staff Scientist – Circadian Gut Barrier Research

C001 Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ); Town of Charleston (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Staff Scientist in the Swanson Laboratory within the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. The role focuses on molecular mechanisms governing GI mucosal barriers, with emphasis on circadian rhythms, mucosal dysbiosis, and epithelial tight junctions.

The position involves organoid culture, in vivo rodent studies, data analysis, and mentorship of junior staff, with a strong publication and grant submission track record desired.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in a biological science discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of productive postdoctoral or related research experience.
• Significant track record of scientific productivity with first-author publications.
• Demonstrated experience with mammalian tissue culture and standard molecular biology techniques.
• Prior work in circadian biology, chronobiology assays, or rhythmic gene expression profiling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular and biochemical assays including RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence imaging, ELISA, and preparation for RNA-seq/metagenomics.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data; assist with manuscript preparation and grant submissions.
• Design and conduct hypothesis-driven experiments on circadian control of intestinal barrier function, tight junction dynamics, and host-microbiome interactions.
• Establish and maintain intestinal organoid/enteroid/colonoid cultures and perform TEER and permeability assays.
• Oversee in vivo rodent studies involving circadian light/dark manipulation and gut permeability tests.
• Maintain lab compliance with MUSC safety standards; mentor postdocs, fellows, students, and technicians.

Skills

RNA/DNA extraction

qPCR

Western blot

Immunofluorescence microscopy

Organoid culture

TEER assays

In vivo rodent work

Data analysis

Manuscript preparation

Grant submissions

Education

Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in Gastroenterology/Cellular/Molecular Biology/Physiology/Immunology or related field

Tools

RNA-seq

16S rRNA/metagenomics

Confocal microscopy

ELISA

Job description

Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Staff Scientist in the Swanson Laboratory within the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. The role focuses on molecular mechanisms governing GI mucosal barriers, with emphasis on circadian rhythms, mucosal dysbiosis, and epithelial tight junctions.

The position involves organoid culture, in vivo rodent studies, data analysis, and mentorship of junior staff, with a strong publication and grant submission track record desired.