DESCRIPTION

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under supervision, the incumbent will be responsible for assisting with the preparation and execution of behavioral and molecular biology experiments, and for basic data analysis in a research laboratory at the Department of Psychiatry. Duties and tasks will include rat colony maintenance and breeding according to set protocols, assisting in complex animal surgeries, operant testing, and analysis of the experimental data. Responsibilities will also include general lab maintenance and maintaining clean testing areas, keeping lab equipment functional, preparing stock solutions, selecting reagents and supplies for ordering. This person will also assist with managing lab’s various licenses and subscriptions. Incumbent will be expected to keep meticulous paper and digital records. Incumbent must be able to work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities. Assist with other project and miscellaneous tasks as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge in Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field or equivalent knowledge and experience to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

• Ability to operate, clean, set up, and maintain surgical equipment preparing rats to IVSA procedure.

• Ability to perform behavioral testing in mice and rats.

• Ability to analyze data using statistical software, such as R, python, etc.

• Knowledge and ability to perform complex head surgeries to inject drugs in specific brain areas and ability to perform intravenous surgeries for catheter implantation.

• Knowledge and ability to collect, input, summarize, and analyze data from specialized data acquisition software on laboratory computers (software includes but is not limited to: Med Associates, Coulbourn, Knosys, DSI, San Diego Instruments, and Noldus Ethovision).

• Knowledge and ability to maintain rat colonies, including setting up breeding pairs, weaning pups, and euthanizing mice, according to IACUC protocols.

• Knowledge and experience with rat work according to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocols. Ability to use appropriate personal protection equipment while working in animal facility.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety precautions, including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, and use of protective gear such as gloves and googles. Familiarity with Material Safety Data Sheets.

• Excellent communication skills, including the skill to understand and carry out written and oral instructions and interact with clients and colleagues with diverse personalities and educational levels, ability to successfully organize work process.

• Proven ability to work independently or as part of a team, with the ability to receive and follow instruction from multiple work directors.

• Skill and ability to maintain a variety of written and/or computer records for research activities including Standard Operating Procedures, quality control records, supply inventories, safety records, sequenced DNA library database, nucleic acid isolation and purification logs, etc.

• Experience with animal models of intravenous drug self-administration and relapse.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of university hazardous and biohazardous waste disposal regulations and associated safety techniques and requirements, and the willing and ability to maintain training and certificates as required.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to euthanize rats.

• Must be willing to work overtime, nights, and weekends if necessary.