UCSD Health Sciences is a $1 billion dollar plus organization encompassing 17 academic departments (15 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 2 preacademic/hospital departments, 2 professional schools (School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), 2 hospitals, and various other programs and units all dedicated towards fulfilling the Health Sciences missions. The UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) is one of two basic science units in the School of Medicine where world-class researchers study fundamental cellular processes and pathways using a variety of techniques from classical genetics and fluorescence microscopy to high throughput genomics, systems biology, and crystallography. Our 37 faculty and over 200 postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and research staff work on the cutting edge of biology, cutting across fields from basic biochemistry and genetics to genomics, systems biology and stem cell biology. The faculty also play a major role in medical and graduate student training, providing educational and programmatic offerings that span several disciplines and provide diversity to meet the interests of a broad spectrum of students and scholars. The diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and talents creates a robust work environment with challenging career opportunities and a commitment to continued growth potential. We constantly seek to recruit highly motivated, technologically advanced, and deeply interested individuals who are ready to become a part of our dynamic research and educational environment.

The Staff Research Associate works in a genetics and biochemistry laboratory performing experiments and performing lab management responsibilities. Projects will be carried out under the supervision of a Principal Investigator but will require that the incumbent to independently guide their day-to-day research activities and occasionally lead and/or advise other laboratory staff. Research projects will focus on studying pathways that prevent genome instability in mammalian cells and using advanced human genetics techniques to develop and validate therapeutic targets for cancers that have defects that cause increased genome instability. These projects will include growth of mammalian tissue culture cells, analysis of their growth properties, analysis of the structure of their genomes and chromosomes, editing the genome of mammalian cell lines of interest using CRISPR-based techniques and then analyzing the edited cells for sensitivity to drugs and genetic probes.

• Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology or cellular biology as typically attained by a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to take direction, be detail oriented, follow step-wise protocols, and perform repetitive tasks in a fast-paced laboratory environment. Able to learn new procedures. Able to develop new procedures.

• Proven ability to work independently with instruction and as part of a team, establishing and maintaining good working relationships with P.I., supervisor, postdoctoral scholars, and other members of the research group.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in standard English, in writing, electronically, and by spoken word with lab members and vendors.

• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to grow human cell lines in tissue culture, and perform basic Molecular Biology techniques including but not limited to sterile technique, growing E. coli and yeast, DNA isolation, DNA sequencing, plasmid construction and transformation, PCR assays, CRISPR-based gene editing, protein purification, SDS-PAGE, western blotting and in vitro DNA repair assays.

• Proven ability to perform Cell Biology assays including but not limited to cell proliferation and growth assays, flow cytometry and cell sorting, and light microscopy-based assays.

• Knowledge of and use of common laboratory equipment.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety including biohazard handling & disposal techniques, & the ability to ensure laboratory compliance with required safety regulations.

• Demonstrated ability to perform basic analysis of DNA sequencing data using computer-based tools and ability to use basic computer software including MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Image J, and Prism.

• Demonstrated experience providing leadership to Lab personnel.

• Must be able to work in an environment where biological and chemical hazards are present.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.
• Must be willing to work a variable schedule to accommodate research needs including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.