The Department of Medicine (DOM) is the largest department within the UC San Diego School of Medicine (SOM) and is responsible for fulfilling its teaching, research, and clinical missions. DOM employs approximately 500 salaried faculty, nearly 200 academic appointees, and more than 300 residents, fellows, and postdocs, supported by almost 1,000 staff members.

This laboratory studies immunogenetic mechanisms underlying severe allergic inflammation and reactions with a view toward developing novel therapeutic approaches. Experiments are performed independently and as part of a team.

Under supervision, the Allergy Staff Research Associate responsibilities include performing laboratory bench experiments related to human genetic studies of allergy and immune dysregulation using primary patient samples, derived cell-lines, and in vitro assays. The incumbent will process patient blood and tissue samples, perform cell culture using proper aseptic technique, generate and maintain dermal fibroblast lines, perform immunoblotting, perform and analyze flow cytometry (13-color), extract nucleic acids in order to perform digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), measure serum or plasma proteins by ELISA, and perform cellular transfections and transductions experiments. Work with the PI to develop new in vitro assays and techniques. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge of a life science as is typically required by a Bachelor's Degree in a field related of research such as biology, molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry.

• Effective interpersonal skills. Ability to work with a variety of personnel from different laboratories.

• Demonstrated experience in processing and working with primary patient samples including whole blood, skin and other tissue biopsy specimens.

• Demonstrated experience in in vitro cellular transfection and transduction assays.

• Good organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.

• Demonstrated experience in extraction and purification of nucleic acids.

• Demonstrated experience performing standard laboratory techniques (pipetting, weighing).

• Demonstrated experience in record keeping, paying close attention to detail.

• Demonstrated laboratory experience in addition to coursework to include intracellular and multicolor (more than four) flow cytometry, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, nucleic acid extraction and purification, PCR, and ELISA.

• Willingness to learn new techniques and tasks and share knowledge of such.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as to effectively document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.

• Excellent computer skills and ability to learn new computer programs. Demonstrated knowledge of Excel, Word, Outlook, and Power point. Demonstrated data entry experience.

• Demonstrated experience with tissue culture techniques with human cells and cell lines.

• Demonstrated experience in managing a research laboratory including maintaining lab equipment, ordering and inventorying supplies and chemicals, updating and maintaining MSDSs, and coordinating with lab members and vendors.

• Masters or Doctoral degree in a biologic science.

• Demonstrated experience with droplet digital PCR.

• Demonstrated experience with immunflourescence and confocal microscopy.

• Must be willing to handle human blood and human tissue samples.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.