Molecular Biology and Mouse Lab Tech - 136585

The UCSD Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences is composed of 65 faculty and clinical fellows. The department is composed of 6 divisions: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Gynecologic Oncology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hospitalist, and Urogynecologic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Under supervision, the laboratory technician will perform reproductive and neuroendocrine biology research involving mice. The technician will manage the research mouse colony, including compliance with ACP and IACUC policies. Duties include: breed, wean, handle, sample, inject, analyze, and euthanize mice & conduct basic surgical procedures and collect blood and tissues from mice. The technician will execute reproductive endocrinology mouse studies under direction of the supervisor with minimal technical supervision and manage the mouse colony census file (Excel). They will also assist other lab members on neuroscience, endocrinology, and reproduction experiments in mice. The technician will perform molecular biology techniques including RNA/DNA extractions, DNA analysis (genotyping), RT-PCR, qPCR, cloning, running gels, and transcription reactions. The technician will make lab solutions and reagents. They will also perform histology techniques, such as brain and reproductive tissue collection from mice, tissue cutting onto slides (using a cryostat), preparation of tissue samples for microscopy analysis, and assist other lab personnel in histological assays. The position also involves directly training undergraduate researchers, performing general lab maintenance, ordering, stocking supplies, and helping to manage biohazard waste and EH&S and safety compliance.

• Theoretical knowledge of biology or related fields such as physiology, endocrinology, neuroscience, or reproductive biology. And/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology research techniques, such as RT-PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, genotyping, work with plasmids or cell lines, and gel electrophoresis.

• Previous experience handling, breeding, euthanizing, injecting, and sampling of laboratory mice.

• Previous experience with collecting blood or tissue from mice.

• Demonstrated experience with preparation of solutions/media, sterile technique, and basic molecular biology techniques, such as RT-PCR and genotyping.

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and handle responsibility and tasks in a dependent, reliable, high-quality, and efficient manner.

• Strong organization and communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written) in order to interact professionally and effectively with faculty, staff, and students and in a laboratory setting

• Required experience using a cryostat machine (or related equipment, such as a microtome) to cut or prepare rodent tissues for histology.

• Experience with survival surgical procedures in mice or rats.

• Experience with tissue staining, immunohistochemistry, or in situ hybridization, or microscopy.

• Experience with reproductive or endocrine biology experiments in rodents.

• Must be willing to work with mice as an experimental model.

• Must be able to work various hours (occasional evenings and weekends) and locations based on business needs.

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous material.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.