Research Assistant - 140190 at San Diego… · San Diego

Summary: San Diego Supercomputer Center is seeking a Research Assistant to contribute to various research projects under supervision. The role involves assisting with experiments, data recording, and utilizing molecular biological techniques, as well as animal studies and tissue culture preparation. Responsibilities: - Under supervision, assist with experiments, make observations, and record experimental data related to research projects - Use molecular biological techniques to assist in the development of plasmid and viral based gene transfer vectors - Assist with animal studies including assisting with breeding transgenic mice, injections, and maintaining and screening transgenic mouse colony - Assist with in vivo fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging, necropsy, tissue trimming and histology - Prepare tissue cultures of primary lymphocytes and propagation of tumor cell lines - Extract RNA, reverse transcribe cDNA, perform RT-PCR, mini preps of plasmids and their analysis by gel - Perform basic cellular immunology tests to assess immunity such as FACS and CFSE proliferative assays, and automatic cells counting - Media and buffer preparation - Maintain lab records, and order supplies on an as needed basis Required Qualifications: - Theoretical knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and genetics, including relevant laboratory techniques, acquired through a Bachelor's degree in biology or related field; and/or equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience - Experience assisting with tissue culture including freezing, thawing, counting cells and splitting cultures - Experience with data analysis using Excel and Prism software - Experience working with basic aseptic and tissue culture techniques - Ability to work with human tissues; tissue trimming, histology analysis, and knowledge in necropsy - Ability to work with cell culture, media preparation, and DNA electrophoresis - Willingness to follow step-wise experimental protocols - Ability to use basic laboratory equipment including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment - Willingness to become familiar with proper handling of chemical and biohazard materials - Willingness to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues - Familiarity with computer software to analyze data, store results and compute raw data - Willingness to maintain confidentiality - Willingness to learn organizational skills as they relate to maintain lab equipment and supplies - Ability to perform basic PCR and ELISA techniques - Willingness to work with other staff members, students, faculty etc - Ability to work with a variety of chemicals and biological materials while following appropriate safety procedures, including working with isoflurane in a fume hood and preparing solutions containing ammonium thiocyanate Preferred Qualifications: - Experience using patient databases, such as EPIC - Experience with caring for and handling small lab animals (mice) and in administering medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals. Experience euthanizing small laboratory animals. Familiarity with the writing of Animal Subjects protocols and with the surgical procedures. Willingness and ability to work with rodents and/or other lab animals and/or infected samples - Theoretical knowledge of normal and malignant hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology sufficient to aid in the design and interpretation of experiments on those topics - Theoretical knowledge of microbiology, cellular, molecular and prostate cancer biology - Knowledge of current prostate cancer disease models and understanding of clinical features of prostate cancer and treatments Required Skills: Molecular biology techniques, Plasmid and viral gene transfer vector development, Animal studies with transgenic mice, vivo fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging, Necropsy and tissue trimming, Histology analysis, Primary lymphocyte tissue culture, Tumor cell line propagation, RNA extraction, cDNA reverse transcription, RT-PCR, Plasmid mini prep and gel analysis, Cellular immunology assays FACS, Cellular immunology assays CFSE proliferative assays, Automatic cell counting, Media and buffer preparation, Basic laboratory equipment use centrifuges, Basic laboratory equipment use spectrophotometers, Basic laboratory equipment use balances, Basic laboratory equipment use pH meters, Basic laboratory equipment use electrophoresis, Chemical and biohazard material handling, Data analysis using Excel and Prism, Basic PCR techniques, ELISA techniques, Tissue culture techniques freezing, Tissue culture techniques thawing, Tissue culture techniques counting, Tissue culture techniques splitting, DNA electrophoresis, Patient database usage (EPIC), Small lab animal care and handling, Animal medication and anesthesia administration, Animal phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures, Animal euthanasia, Animal subjects protocol writing, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology, Microbiology, Cellular and molecular biology, Prostate cancer biology, Prostate cancer disease models, Willingness to follow protocols, Willingness to learn organizational skills, work with others Benefits: Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs., Employment is subject to a criminal background check., If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time., Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements., If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable., UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors., UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment., UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.