DESCRIPTION

The UCSD Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences is composed of 65 faculty, 14 clinical fellows, 4 Assistant Project Scientists/Postdoctoral Fellows. The department is composed of 7 divisions: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Gynecologic Oncology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hospitalist, Family Planning and Urogynecologic and Reconstructive Surgery. The department is currently ranked 5th in the nation in NIH funding among ObGyn departments.

Under close technical supervision, the laboratory technician will perform experiments involving the analysis of mouse models and molecular analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins. The position requires physiology skills including mouse handling, surgery, injections, oral gavage, blood and tissue collection. Molecular biology skills including DNA/RNA extraction and purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunoprecipitation, western blotting, immunohistochemistry are preferred. The technician will be required to document experimental results and assist in writing manuscripts and grant proposals. Additional duties include ensuring laboratory safety, maintaining laboratory inventory and equipment, performing general laboratory maintenance and organization, ordering supplies, and minor administrative assistance responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, physiology and general biology, preferred as typically attained by a bachelor’s degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in using and maintaining laboratory equipment, including but not limited to pipettes, centrifuges, incubators, balances, spectrophotometers.

• Ability to perform molecular biology experiments and to keep accurate documentation of all laboratory experiments.

• Ability to calculate the molarity of solutions, perform dilutions and make solutions following protocols.

• Willingness to perform experiments involving surgery, injections, oral gavage, dissection and sacrifice of laboratory mice.

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience in physiology, molecular biology techniques related to mouse models and manipulation and analysis of DNA and RNA.

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) in order to interact professionally and effectively with faculty, staff and students.

• Strong computer skills, and experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety and the ability to ensure laboratory compliance with required safety regulations.

• Good organizational skills, and the ability to organize and maintain a clean laboratory, to keep an accurate inventory, and to order supplies.

• Willingness and ability to work safely with biohazardous materials.

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to meet established standards for dependability and attendance.

• Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility.

• Good interpersonal skills to be effective in communicating and interacting with a variety of people within the laboratory setting and in administrative components within and outside the University.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in mammalian tissue culture.

• Knowledge of appropriate UCSD/EH&S procedures for laboratory safety.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to work in an animal related research environment, without allergies to animals and perform experiments involving handling, breeding, minor surgery, injection, oral gavage, dissection and sacrificing of laboratory mice.

• Must be willing to occasionally vary work schedule to accommodate research needs.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.