DESCRIPTION

The Department of Pathology at UC San Diego aims to achieve the highest standards in patient care, research and education. The Department provides diagnostic pathology services in a wide variety of subspecialties with highly trained subspecialists who are recognized for their expertise. The Department’s research programs are diverse and interface with a wealth of basic and translational research programs that are a hallmark of UC San Diego.

This Lab Assistant will work in a laboratory investigating the role of the microbiota in modulating immune responses during health and disease. Utilizing the combination of genetically engineered mice maintained under germ-free or defined microbial communities, our lab is able to explore the multifactorial contributions to disease pathogenesis. Under supervision, the applicant will assist in performing experiments in immunology and microbiology to characterize mucosal immune responses to gut microbes using mouse models of disease. These experiments include monitoring and treatment of laboratory animals, tissue collection, histological assessment, and downstream immunological/microbiological assays.

Other responsibilities include tissue culture, cell isolation and other cell-based assays, basic cell and molecular biology techniques, and data analysis. Experience with computational analyses is desired. Additionally, this applicant will assist in performing laboratory maintenance and administrative duties including ensuring compliance with IACUC and EH&S requirements, ordering and tracking of supplies, data organization, teaching basic laboratory techniques and preparing data for presentation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or a GED and two (2) years of laboratory experience or two (2) years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one (1) year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Theoretical knowledge in immunology or a related biomedical science.

• Experience and demonstrated ability to initiate and maintain mouse experiments including treatment and observation for disease. Experience with mouse handling, breeding, genotyping, anesthesia, surgeries, injections/treatments, and tissue harvest.

• Experience and ability anaerobic culturing studies and bacterial isolation, including growth curves in nutrient-rich and defined media, and associated analyses

• Experience and demonstrated ability in extracting DNA/RNA, PCR, PT-PCR, qPCR, analysis and troubleshooting.

• Experience and ability to initiate and maintain animal experiments multiple different eukaryotic cell lines including freezing, thawing, storage, and plating cells in preparation for experiments. Experience with sterile techniques, trouble shooting of contamination problems, and care of incubators and liquid nitrogen freezers.

• Experience in protein chemistry/purification, gel electrophoresis and transfers, various gel and membrane stains, ELISAs, western blots, and densitometry and analysis on resulting data.

• Knowledge of microbiological techniques, including culturing of aerobic/anaerobic bacteria, aseptic technique, and generating glycerol stocks with documentation.

• Ability to follow written and verbal protocols, techniques, and instructions.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills over a wide range of situations and individuals needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment in person, on the phone, and in writing to a diverse population; including persons from foreign countries, the business community, academicians, students and staff with a high degree of diplomacy, mature judgment, tact, and flexibility.

• Knowledge of proper formats, grammar, and spelling in English and proofreading ability sufficient to compose, edit, and publish professional correspondence as well as effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend, discuss, and present research materials.

• Knowledge of bio, chemical, and radiation safety techniques and practices. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines and implement measures to ensure compliance and maintain associated records.

• Strong organizational skills to order and maintain lab reagents and supplies, and keep accurate lab records and computer files. Experience in ordering, maintaining, trouble-shooting, and calibrating general laboratory equipment (e.g. centrifuges, incubators, microscopes, water baths, etc.).

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software applications, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access), Photoshop, Acrobat.

• Experience with reading and interpreting primary literature to obtain background knowledge in new research area and to develop new protocols or in troubleshooting assays.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with UCSD ordering, EH&S, and facilities policies and business systems.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing to work with lab animals.
• Must be willing to work in gnotobiotic isolators/glove boxes.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekend days, as required.