Laboratory Research Assistant - Cancer Center - 140184

The Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD: encompassing 28 departments, 6 schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Biological Sciences & the School of Physical Sciences), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI). These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future-oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy of career-path development for its employees including opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerateddiscovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

Under supervision, assist with mouse colony management including breeding, weaning, and genotyping (using established PCR techniques). Work with small animals and assist with procedures such as surgery, injections and monitoring pregnancies. Assist with animal experiments to assess vascular leak and angiogenesis. Assist with specialized cell biology techniques such as cell migration assays, cell-substrate adhesion assays, and cell-cell adhesion assays. Assist with various cell culture techniques such as performing flow cytometry analysis of cell surface protein expression, cell propagation, contaminant testing, and cryopreservation. Assist with immunohistochemistry of frozen and fixed tissues or cells. Assist with protein biochemistry techniques including protein quantification, immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting. Maintain and prepare accurate records of all experiments. Assist in the preparation of data for publication.

• Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology and immunology.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

• Detail-oriented. Ability to work with little supervision. Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions. Ability to follow-up on previously begun procedures. Ability to accurately record data and enter into appropriate medium.

• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize work.

• Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, autoclaves and electrophoresis equipment.

• Ability to perform DNA and protein characterization techniques using electrophoretic analysis.

• Familiar in proper handling of chemical and biohazard materials. Familiarity with sterile techniques.

• Ability to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.

• Familiarity with computer software such as Excel to analyze data, store results and compute raw data.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.

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

• Ability and willingness to handle and work with small animals. Experience with mouse colony maintenance and murine injections.

• Basic understanding of computer applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Ability to perform sterile eukaryotic cell culture techniques.

• Ability to perform PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.

• Ability to use histological and immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate protein localization in fixed cells or tissues.

• Ability to perform light, fluorescence and confocal microscopy techniques to visualize protein expression in tissue sections.

• Experience with immune cell and biomarker analysis.

• Internet search and software analysis capabilities.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing and able to work with hazardous materials (biological and chemical).

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

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.