Job Description

Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Russell Norris in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to support translational research in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong foundation in molecular biology, genetics, and human translational research who can serve as an essential bridge between our clinical coordinators, nursing staff, and basic research team. The ideal candidate will play a central role in procurement, processing, and analysis of patient-derived clinical samples and in running molecular and genetic assays to support multiple ongoing clinical and discovery studies.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Cost Center

CC001062 COM REG MED Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Candidates should have demonstrated experience in human tissue or blood processing, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, molecular cloning, and next-generation sequencing workflows. Prior experience with patient consent, IRB-regulated protocols, and clinical-to-bench sample logistics is preferred. Familiarity with omics-based methods (RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq, proteomics) and data interpretation is desirable. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to collaborate effectively across clinical and laboratory settings.

Job Duties

Clinical Research Coordination - Essential (30%):

Work closely with clinical coordinators, nursing staff, and physician collaborators to facilitate patient enrollment and biospecimen collection. Ensure compliance with IRB protocols, sample tracking, chain of custody, and data linkage between clinical metadata and laboratory assays.

Molecular and Genetic Analyses - Essential (35%)

: Design and perform molecular assays on patient-derived samples, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, cDNA synthesis, cloning, and next-generation sequencing library preparation. Contribute to mechanistic studies and functional validation of patient-derived genetic variants using molecular and cellular approaches.

Mentorship and Team Integration - Essential (15%):

Provide training and day-to-day guidance to graduate students, interns, and clinical research assistants involved in biospecimen handling and molecular assays. Facilitate communication between the clinical and bench research teams to ensure smooth coordination of workflows.

Documentation and Quality Control - Essential (10%):

Maintain accurate records of sample inventories and experimental results using the Norris Lab's electronic laboratory notebook systems (LabArchives and Box). Ensure all samples and datasets are logged for traceability and compliance.

Publications and Grants - Essential (10%):

Contribute to manuscript preparation, data visualization, and presentations at internal and external scientific meetings. Assist in the preparation of research proposals and progress reports for funding agencies and foundations.

Minimum Requirements:

PhD/MD or equivalent

Additional

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 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 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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