The Department of Medicine (DOM) is the largest department within the UCSD School of Medicine and is responsible for fulfilling the teaching, research and clinical missions of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. The department employs approximately 500 salaried faculty, 168 academic appointees, 331 residents, fellows and postdocs and 480 staff personnel.

A Research Associate I position is available in the laboratory of Amir Zarrinpar, MD, PhD, at University of California, San Diego in La Jolla, CA. The lab is interested in developing microbiome-based therapeutics by engineering native, undomesticated bacteria to express both prokaryotic and eukaryotic functions to affect host health. Our previous work in this area (Russell, et al. Cell 2022) show that engineered native bacteria can engraft and ameliorate disease, hence serving as a model for functional cures for chronic diseases.

Under supervision, the incumbent will focus on learning and performing simple to moderate complexity experiments independently and collaboratively, including PCR, qPCR, and ELISAs. In addition, the incumbent will be taught animal husbandry and mouse colony management in order to independently handle mice, assist in performing in-vivo phenotyping experiments, and maintain multiple mouse colony lines for the lab. Other job duties include maintaining lab instruments and equipment, preparing laboratory supplies such as reagents and plate media, and recording accurate laboratory notes and data.

• Theoretical knowledge of Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.

• Experience working independently and collaboratively on research projects.

• Demonstrated ability to work productively and develop cohesive relationships with all lab personnel, including flexibility with diverse personalities or situations. Skills to interact effectively with faculty, academics, students, and staff of diverse ethnicity and cultures.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively structure job priorities, organize and maintain accurate records.

• Enthusiasm for and genuine interest in scientific research. Desire to be challenged to learn new skills and techniques, research methods, and scientific knowledge.

• Technical skill with MS Office programs and willingness to update and increase technical knowledge as needed.

• Experience with basic laboratory equipment such as pipetting devices, centrifuges, gel electrophoresis equipment, and autoclaves. This includes performing relevant mathematical calculations such as computing molarities, dilutions, etc.

• Experience performing scientific experiments with mice.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including giving oral presentations.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality in matters related to work.

• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA/RNA purification, gel electrophoresis).

• Ability to carry out a variety of basic laboratory techniques and basic in-vivo procedures with minimal instruction and supervision.

• Must be willing to work with mice.

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous material, including bacteria and animal/human samples.

• Must be available to work some weekends and evenings.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.