Cancer Research Associate II - 133991

The Department of Medicine is responsible for fulfilling the teaching, research, and clinical missions of the University of California, San Diego and employs 486+ full-time salaried faculty members and 100+ academic appointees. Staff personnel include 600+ staff in 9 bargaining units, students, and volunteers. There are 250 clinical faculty practicing at multiple sites and hospitals.

Under supervision, independently perform experiments, make observations, and record experimental data related to research projects. Use basic molecular biological techniques in the development of plasmid and viral based gene transfer vectors. Conduct animal studies including breeding, injections, and maintaining and screening transgenic mouse colony. Perform in vivo fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging, necropsy, tissue trimming and histology. Perform basic laboratory activities in the lab including ordering equipment and reagents, and researching journal articles to find appropriate protocols and regulations for experiments. Adhere to laboratory environmental health and safety guidelines, including appropriate radioactive waste, chemical waste and biological waste disposal. Conduct clinical research coordination/protocols. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Four years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area.

• Experience with all aspects of tissue culture including freezing, thawing, counting cells and splitting cultures. Demonstrated experience performing live cell analyses by FACS using fluorescent RNA detection probes.

• Experience in caring for and handling small lab animals (mice) and in administering medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals. Willingness and ability to work with rodents and/or other lab animals and/or infected samples.

• Experience using various lab equipment such as microscopes, spectrophotometer, and centrifuges.

• Theoretical knowledge in molecular biology and biochemistry as typically attained by a Bachelors degree.

• Exposure with standard repetitive techniques that may be required in research protocols related to a specific lab. Demonstrated ability to read, interpret and apply protocols in conducting research. Demonstrated ability in following step wise experimental protocols. Skill to troubleshoot adaptations of experimental protocols.

• Experience reading and using Material Safety Data Sheets. Ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.

• Experience working in and maintaining a sterile environment.

• Skills in accurate record keeping and ability to organize, analyze, and calculate data.

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as MS Word and Excel. Knowledge to work with and learn new software for analysis.

• Manual dexterity and legible handwriting. Ability to assist with general lab maintenance, including cleaning and restocking supplies and managing a regular schedule in the lab.

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.

• Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Ability to train students on same.

• Good organizational and time management skills.

• Knowledge sufficient to coordinate studies with other lab personnel. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.

• Theoretical knowledge of stem cell biology sufficient to aid in the design and interpretation of experiments on those topics.

• Knowledge of UCSD Environmental Health and Safety requirements.

• Experience working with human tissues and performing mononuclear cell isolation by Ficoll density centrifugation.

• Experience in the design, construction, production, purification, and use of viral gene transfer vectors, including adenoviral, lentiviral or retroviral vectors.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing and able to work in BioSafety Level II environment.

• Must be willing and able to work with small animals and biohazardous materials.

• Must be willing to work weekends as needed.