Optic neuropathies, including glaucoma, are defined by the axonal injury and subsequent cell death of projection neurons in the retina called retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The Welsbie Lab in the Department of Ophthalmology uses high-throughput RNAi- and CRISPR-based functional genomic screening in primary mouse RGCs and stem cell-derived human RGCs to elucidate and characterize the injury signal triggered by axon injury. The goal is to identify druggable signaling molecules that could serve as the target for a neuroprotective therapy.

The Lab Research Associate's role would be two-fold: 1. Assist with conducting wet lab and animal-based research, focusing on cell and molecular biology, under close technical supervision and guidance of the PI and; 2. Assist with the organization and maintenance of the laboratory. The incumbent will assist in providing work direction and teaching laboratory procedures to undergraduate and graduate students, assist postdoctoral fellows and the work of laboratory technicians and students. In addition, the incumbent will provide the PI with support on personnel matters, audits, monitor lab budgets, monitor/coordinate lab safety issues (in collaboration with the UCSD Environmental Health and Safety Department and other governing safety agencies), assist with grant and publication preparation, ensure grant reporting progress is met, coordinate the organization and maintenance of lab equipment and supplies and interface with neighboring labs and collaborators. The incumbent will assist with the maintenance and organization of animals and the disposal of waste (nonhazardous, chemical and biological). As an active member of the research, the incumbent will assist in performing experiments and presenting at meetings/conferences.

Incumbent will perform primary retinal ganglion cell dissection and isolation from mice, perform work with viral vectors (i.e. AAV and Lentivirus), and cloning among other duties.

• Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, ophthalmology, biology or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with PC and MAC, Microsoft Office Suite, scientific and research and database software.

• Analytical and critical thinking skills. Demonstrated ability to maintain quality control in research projects. Skill and ability to keep accurate records.

• Experience in accurate record keeping and ability to organize, analyze, and calculate data.

• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment; and, to effectively and accurately document research procedures.

• Experience or familiarity in the technologies required for analysis of tissues by histology, immunohistochemistry, and histochemistry.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, professionals, study participants/patients.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperatively. Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize assignments, maintain workflow, and work productively in meeting critical deadlines.

• Knowledge of basic lab safety requirements/procedures; EH&S regulations and methods for handling, clean-up, and waste disposal for biohazardous materials with the ability to train others in proper procedures.

• Experience handling animals and animal tissue. Ability to follow appropriate protocols for animal research.

• Ability to uphold the UCSD Principles of Community and establish and maintain good working relationships at Shiley Eye Center, departments, and outside agencies.

• Knowledge of and experience with laboratory equipment including centrifuges, PCR machines, microscopes, tissue culture cabinets, incubators, flow cytometers, plate readers and gel electrophoresis equipment, operating thermocyclers.

• Demonstrated experience with general lab maintenance including cleaning, stocking supplies.

• Experience operating High-concent, high-throughput imaging system, operating Acoustic transfer device, Fluorescent and bright-field microscope, Flow cytometer, Capillary immunoblotting, Centrifuges, Cryostats, Spectrophotometer.

• Experience with High-throughput screening and imaging, CRISPR gene editing, Cell culture and transfection, Adeno-associated virus production and purification, Lentivirus production and purification.

• Experience with Plasmid construction and sub-cloning (e.g. DNA purification, ligation, Gibson reactions, enzyme digestions, gel electrophoresis, transformation).

• Experience with DNA and RNA sequencing.

• Experience with Histology, retinal flatmounts and immunofluorescent staining.

• Experience with working with rodents, including genotyping, anesthesia, handling and colony maintenance.

• Experience with Quantitative PCR.

• Experience with Fluorescent-activated cell sorting.

• Experience with Primary retinal ganglion cell isolation and culture.

• Experience with Immunoblotting.

• Familiarity with optic nerve crush procedures, intravitreal injections, retinal flatmount preparation, retinal ganglion cell isolation and/or viral production is desirable.

• Demonstrated experience processing tissues and cells, cut sections, and performing histological staining procedures.

• Experience with UCSD business offices, HR, EH&S, OPAFS, OCGA, procurement as well as working with online systems.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be able to work various hours and weekends based on business needs.

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous material, viral vectors, human stem cells and rodents including mice and rats.