The Department of Medicine (DoM) is the largest department within the UCSD School of Medicine (SoM) and is responsible for fulfilling its teaching, research, and clinical missions. DoM employees approximately 500 salaried faculty, nearly 200 academic appointees, and more than 300 residents, fellows, and postdocs supported by almost 1,000 staff members. The Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) functions within DoM Administration and interfaces with data and individuals throughout the department, SoM, campus, and Health System, regarding financial and operational matters.

Under supervision, assist with experiments, make observations, and record experimental data related to research projects. Use basic molecular biology techniques to assist in the isolation of DNA and RNA from cells and tissues. Perform basic cell culture including maintenance of cell lines and processing and culturing primary cells. Assist with animal studies including breeding and general colony maintenance, injections, imaging, and necropsy. Perform basic laboratory activities in the lab including ordering reagents and researching journal articles to find appropriate protocols for experiments. Adhere to laboratory environmental health and safety guidelines, including appropriate radioactive waste, chemical waste, and biological waste disposal. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge in molecular biology, stem cell biology, and biochemistry.

• Demonstrated skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as confocal and quantitative fluorescent microscopes, centrifuges, plate readers, and nanodrop.

• Experience with standard repetitive techniques that may be required in research protocols related to a specific lab. Ability to read, interpret and apply protocols in conducting research. Ability in following step wise experimental protocols. Skill to troubleshoot adaptations of experimental protocols.

• Experience reading and using Safety Data Sheets. Ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.

• Demonstrated experience working in and maintaining a sterile environment.

• Proven skill in accurate record keeping and ability to organize, analyze, and calculate data. Knowledge in basic math for calculating dilutions.

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

• Manual dexterity and legible handwriting. Ability to assist with general lab maintenance, including cleaning, restocking supplies, and managing a regular schedule in the lab.

• Strong communication skills (both 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.

• Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Ability to train students on same.

• Knowledge sufficient to coordinate studies with other departments and the lab. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.

• Experience isolating nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).

• Knowledge of UCSD Environmental Health and Safety requirements.

• 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.
• Experience with all aspects of tissue culture including freezing, thawing, counting cells and splitting cultures. Demonstrated experience performing live cell analyses by FACS using fluorescent RNA detection probes.
• Experience in caring for and handling small lab animals (mice) and in administering medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals. Willingness and ability to work with rodents and/or other lab animals and/or infected samples.
• Experience working with human tissues and performing mononuclear cell isolation by Ficoll density centrifugation.

• Experience in the design, construction, production, purification, and use of viral gene transfer vectors, including adenoviral, lentiviral or retroviral vectors.

• Demonstrated ability to assist in the writing of papers for publication, research proposals.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing and able to work in BioSafety Level II environment.

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

• Must be willing and able to work weekends and evenings when necessary.