UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Medicine: Division of GI

Job Description Summary

The Swanson Laboratory within the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and collaborative Staff Scientist. The laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms governing gastrointestinal mucosal barrier integrity, with a primary focus on how circadian rhythms, environmental desynchrony (such as shift work), and mucosal dysbiosis regulate intestinal permeability, epithelial tight junctions, and inflammation.

The Staff Scientist will play a central role in driving experimental workflows, managing day-to-day operations, and contributing scientifically to ongoing NIH-funded projects using murine models, primary human and murine intestinal organoid systems, and clinical biospecimens.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000968 COM DOM Gastroenterology 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:

• 20% - Molecular & Biochemical Assays: Perform RNA/DNA extraction, quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, high-resolution immunofluorescence microscopy, ELISA, and sample preparation for next-generation sequencing (RNA-seq, 16S rRNA/metagenomics).
• 20% - Data Analysis & Dissemination: Analyze and interpret complex biological datasets; assist with manuscript preparation, figure generation, and preliminary data acquisition for grant submissions (NIH R01, VA, and foundation awards).
• 15% - Experimental Execution & Project Leadership: Design and conduct hypothesis-driven experiments evaluating circadian control of intestinal epithelial barrier function, tight junction dynamics (e.g., claudins, occludin, ZO-1), and host-microbiome interactions.
• 15%  - Organoid & Cell Culture: Establish, maintain, and passage primary human and murine intestinal enteroids/colonoids, including 2D monolayer differentiation, trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) assays, and macromolecular permeability testing.
• 15% - In Vivo Studies: Oversee and execute rodent protocols involving circadian light/dark manipulations, shift-work simulation paradigms, mucosal injury/colitis models, and metabolic/permeability assessments.
• 15% - Laboratory Operations & Mentorship: Maintain laboratory compliance with MUSC IACUC, IBC, and chemical safety standards; oversee inventory and equipment maintenance; train and mentor postdocs, fellows, graduate students, and research technicians.

Minimum requirements: 

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in Gastroenterology, Cellular/Molecular Biology, Physiology, Immunology, or a closely related biological science discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of productive postdoctoral or related research experience.

 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated track record of scientific productivity as evidenced by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Significant experience with mammalian tissue culture and standard molecular biology techniques (qPCR, Western blot, confocal/fluorescence microscopy).
• Proven ability to work independently, design rigorous controls, troubleshoot technical challenges, and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
• Direct experience with 3D intestinal organoid (enteroid/colonoid) culture systems and barrier permeability assays.
• Prior work in circadian biology paradigms, chronobiology assays, or rhythmic gene expression profiling.
• Hands-on experience with rodent handling, colony management, oral gavage, tissue harvesting, and in vivo gut permeability assays (e.g., FITC-dextran).
• Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines for transcriptomic (RNA-seq) or microbiome data analysis.
  

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.

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