DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, incumbent will manage the satellite mouse facility. Work with Animal Care Program to coordinate mouse deliveries, housing and daily care. Manage mouse breeding colonies, including genotyping, mating and record keeping. Manage AALAS compliance, personnel training, lab safety and record keeping, lab equipment and supplies. Maintain laboratory infrastructure and supplies for the lab, keep inventories and order supplies. Manage animal resources, providing work direction to other lab members for animal care. Provide technical training and assistance to lab members. Attend lab meetings and contribute to the discussions on research.

Incumbent will assist with research projects working with laboratory animals. Apply conventional methods, combining neuroanatomical, histological and behavioral approaches, perform experiments that aim to identify neural activity underlying behavior and learning. Implement laboratory and surgical protocols and provide training to staff lab assistants, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students in same. Provide work direction to staff lab assistants and train all new lab members on protocol for animal surgeries. Hire, train, and oversee students and volunteers in the lab.

Execute projects to perform behavioral paradigms for mice, and study neural activity during behavior. Collect, analyze, and organize data for record-keeping and publication as appropriate. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and genetics, including relevant laboratory techniques, acquired through a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Neuroscience or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience working with and handling rodents in laboratory setting. Experience in behavioral studies with mice is strongly preferred.

• Proven experience in managing mouse colonies, including genotyping, crossing and creating and maintaining accurate breeding records.

• Certified knowledge of animal protocols and experience with animal care procedures, husbandry, anesthesia/analgesia requirements, postoperative care, euthanasia, experimental use records and carcass disposal of UCSD or another accredited institute.

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of neuroscience with demonstrated ability to perform independent scientific inquiry in neurobiology.

• Experience in small rodent surgery including anesthesiology procedures and injections. Excellent experience and ability to perform brain surgeries, including precise and stereotaxic injections of dyes and viruses, and adaptive use of different brain atlases for precise injections of tracer compounds. Good hand/eye coordination and surgical skills and knowledge for fine dissection. Ability to learn new surgical techniques with minimal instructions. Ability to improve surgical protocols independently when possible.

• Experience with immunohistochemistry, and preparing laboratory stock solutions. Knowledge of necessary care and precautions for use and storage of antisera, reagents, and for handling of hazardous and carcinogenic chemicals.

• Demonstrated ability to manage/oversee laboratory, coordinate research projects, and provide work direction as needed to lab personnel.

• Strong ability to learn the scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

• Skill and ability to hire, train, and provide work direction to undergraduate students and staff lab assistants in various techniques, protocols and procedures.

• Extensive knowledge/understanding and experience with Safety Data Sheets, hazard communication and Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Familiarity with a Chemical Hygiene Plan addressing safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, use of protective items. Willingness and ability to keep safety training current and consistent with research involvement.

• Well-versed with federal guidelines for Good Laboratory Practices for humane use of animals. AAALAC or AALAS certifications desirable. Knowledge of research animal care protocols and procedures as defined by AAALAC and AALAS, and governmental agencies, and sensitivity to the humane care of animals in research.

• Strong computer skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email etc. with the ability to independently learn new programs.

• Excellent English verbal and written communications skills, to articulate information on one’s position, plan of action, evaluation or interpretation in a professional, logical, clear, effective, concise, and courteous manner. Skill at negotiating with various personalities and developing an internal and external network of contacts.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability and experience to work in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, faculty and students. Participate and contribute to discussions regarding procedures and goals of department.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to work occasional overtime on evenings and weekends as required to keep steady workflow and meet deadlines.

• Must be able to work with rodents as animal subjects, and to work with bio-hazardous materials.

• Must have good hand/eye coordination for animal surgery duties, etc.