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 the general supervision of the Principal Investigator, the individual in this position will independently design, perform and analyze studies aimed at understanding how the structure of the genome regulates heart development. This will involve working extensively with mouse models to evaluate the impact of genetic manipulations on heart development.

They will conduct detailed analyses using both whole heart tissue and cell culture studies. These will include primary isolation of cells from murine hearts, serving as complementary approaches to the investigations conducted on whole heart tissue. Additionally, the incumbent will play a crucial role in managing a transgenic/knockout mouse colony. This includes devising efficient breeding schemes and assessing mouse genotypes using PCR-based techniques.

The position also involves a variety of procedural responsibilities, such as harvesting animal tissues and cells for histology, conducting Western blotting, and performing immunomicroscopy.

They will be expected to adapt experimental protocols based on a comprehensive survey of the scientific literature, leveraging both printed and online sources of standard refereed journals and scientific texts. Responsibilities also include assisting with lab management tasks such as maintaining equipment, ordering reagents, and performing general lab techniques and scientific calculations. This includes preparing and maintaining chemical stocks, ordering supplies, and maintaining protocols. Furthermore, the individual will provide training and guidance to student lab assistants as required and will support other doctoral level associates with their studies as needed. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of life science such as biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry including relevant laboratory techniques acquired through a combination of extensive study and experience.

• Advanced research laboratory experience with common techniques including cell culture and molecular biology methods.

• Demonstrated experience as a scientific leader. Experience with independently conceptualizing a project, designing protocols, planning for milestones, and preparing results for publication.

• Demonstrated ability with animal (mouse) techniques including injections and knowledge of ultrasound imaging.

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and to organize a varied workload to meet deadlines despite frequent interruptions.

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

• Advanced experience with cell culture, flow cytometry, cell characterization assays, and molecular biology methods.

• Knowledge of UC and Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S) laboratory safety procedures (particularly concerning radioactive materials).

• Experience with cardiac development and function and mouse work.

• Ph.D. degree and multiple years postdoctoral experience.

• Must be willing to work with animals.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

• Must be willing to work with rodents.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.