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.

Under close supervision, the incumbent will work in Dr. Ayako Makino's lab to perform basic molecular biological experiments. The responsibility of the Lab Assistant 2 includes cell isolation (e.g., vascular cells from mouse heart and lung), cell culture, PCR, qPCR, WB, FACS, tissue dissection/sectioning /imaging for IF and IHC, and management of our mouse colony. Lab Assistant 2 will also maintain functional laboratory equipment, clean workspace, and updated protocols to ensure that the laboratory is clean, safe, and compliant with university regulations. In addition, Lab Assistant 2 will also assist with the occasional transport of biological specimens from the operating rooms to the laboratory.

• Demonstrated skills in cellular and molecular biology, including WB, qPCR, or PCR.

• Aseptic tissue culture techniques.

• Must be able to work with laboratory animals (mice).

• Experience in maintaining mouse colony, including breeding and genotyping.

• Perform general lab maintenance, which includes maintaining a clean lab, the function of lab equipment, chemical and order inventories, IACUC, IRB, IBC, and other experimental protocols.

• Demonstrated effective time management skills.

• Good organizational skills in ordering and maintaining lab equipment and supplies.

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

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject discipline.

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as fluorescence microscopes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment.

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software applications, such as EndNote, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge to work with and learn new software for analysis.

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials. Ability to assist in the writing of papers for publication, research proposals.

• Minimum two (2) years of paid work in the field of cellular and molecular biology.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be available to work some weekends & evenings to complete experiments.
• Must be able to work with laboratory animals (mice).