"Laboratory Specialist I - Department of Biological Sciences"

Description

WELCOME TO CLEMSON!

Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

JOB SUMMARY:

Coordinate the day-to-day operations of a research group working on the human pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum. Organize mouse work for the lab, including breeding and infections, and they will have the opportunity to perform molecular biology research. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

• 30% - Essential - Maintain mouse breeding colony and coordinate distribution of cages to lab members for experimental use. Ensure that mice have clean cages and ample access to food and water. Collect feces from infected mice to amplify parasite strains.
• 30% - Essential - Perform research on the sexual development of Cryptosporidium parvum utilizing molecular genetics techniques. Gain experience in PCR, molecular cloning, transfection (CRISPR-Cas9), cell culture, microscopy, and RNA-seq.
• 25% - Essential - Order, organize, and maintain lab reagents and equipment. Keep track of inventory and troubleshoot broken equipment or software.
• 10% - Essential - Ensure that lab members are compliant with safety protocols and train undergraduate researchers.
• 05% - Essential - Clean and sterilize glassware on a weekly basis.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education - High School or Equivalent and work experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting, in a health care setting or in a general maintenance or machine shop environment. A bachelor's degree in a related scientific discipline may be substituted for the required work experience.

Work Experience 0+ years

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Education - Master's Degree - Microbiology or related field

Work Experience 3+ years lab management and animal husbandry, including mouse work

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Fundamental Job Knowledge - Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Acts as Lead - Acts as a Lead by guiding the work of others who perform essentially the same work.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES: No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Stand for prolonged period, Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period, Walk or move about, Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc, Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself, Recognize or inspect visually, Perceive, observe, clarity of vision.

Work in the animal facility involves standing for 2-3 hours at a time to change cages, top off water, and collect fecal material. Pipetting and microscopy required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to heat or cold, Mechanical hazards, Chemical hazards, Exposure to bio-hazards (i.e. blood, bodily fluids).

Main exposure is to BSL-2 pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum and human cancer cell line. Mechanical hazards include sharps (glass pipets and razors). Cryptosporidium waste is sterilized in autoclave (heat). Liquid nitrogen (cold).

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Anticipated Salary Range: $31,800 - $35,000

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations. Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

October 6, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

VETERAN PREFERENCE: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions. State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.

To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.