Research Associate - 128242

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 02/29/2024 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 03/11/2024. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

The Moores Cancer Center is one of just 54 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD: encompassing 14 departments (12 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 3 professional schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University, and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology. These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future-oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy of career-path development for its employees including opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries, and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerated discovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

Under supervision, perform tumor immunology studies consisting of murine models of cancer, animal breeding and genotyping, flow cytometry, single cell sequencing, immunohistochemistry, in vitro cell biology, and in vitro biochemistry. Perform animal surgery, including small animal anesthesia. In addition, perform immunohistochemistry of frozen and fixed tissues or cells. Conduct various in vitro cell biology techniques to include performing flow cytometry analysis of cell surface protein expression, cell adhesion and migration assays, transfecting cells with expression constructs, preparing lysates of cells in culture or tissues, quantification, ELISA assays, SDS PAGE, Western Immunoblotting and gel electrophoresis. Additionally, perform recombinant DNA techniques to include preparing plasmids and maintaining plasmid stocks, analyzing DNA and RNA purification, and conducting DNA electrophoresis, and RT-PCR. Responsible for maintaining and inventory of frozen cell stocks and routine testing for mycoplasma contamination. Process tumor specimens by extracting DNA and RNA, as well as perform cloning and subcloning of DNA fragments. Perform molecular biology/cell biologic assays, to study mouse models of cancer. With general supervision, handle mice for surgical procedures, as well as for tumor harvest and processing.

This position will serve as the point of contact with UC San Diego Animal Care Program. Manage a mouse colony of approximately 100-150 cages, perform breeding, weaning and genotyping duties. Perform mouse tumor studies. Act as the Area Safety Coordinator for assigned laboratory space.

Responsibilities also include: preparing media and reagents, maintaining laboratory organization and laboratory supplies, purchasing laboratory supplies, and other critical functions as needed for the laboratory to run smoothly. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge of cell biology and molecular biology and/or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other related areas, and/or equivalent education and experience.

• Experience working with mice for surgical procedures, including anesthesia administration. Experience preparing reagents and cells for animal studies, working with animal models of tumors, and performing tumor injections and harvesting. Experience managing a mouse colony, weaning, and genotyping, maintaining accurate colony records, and conforming with all local and national IACUC regulations.

• Experience performing routine cell culture techniques, such as pipetting culture media onto growing human cells in culture plates and pipetting trypsin solution onto cell layers. Experience following basic research protocols and instructions closely.

• Experience with extracting DNA and RNA from cultured cells and tumor specimens, and cloning and subcloning of pertinent DNA fragments. Experience performing PCR and qPCR reactions. Experience with transfection of plasmids, siRNA, or other genetic material (retroviruses, lentiviruses) into cultured cell lines.

• Experience with preparing chemical solutions. Ability to perform standard mathematic computations (calculate molarity) accurately.

• Experience performing gel electrophoresis.

• Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and equipment, such as sterile techniques, preparation of buffers, centrifuges, balance pH meters and electrophoresis equipment.

• Experience in performing experimental protocols and in recommending modifications to procedures and protocols.

• Experience working with animal care protocols and laboratory safety coordination and compliance training. Ability to integrate information obtained from scientific journals for use in the laboratory and disseminate to other lab members.

• Ability to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.

• Demonstrated ability in data management, analysis, interpretation, and description of scientific data in a publication format.

• Ability to accurately record experimental details and results.

• Organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.

• Experience and skill in using computers for basic word processing and data entry as well as PubMed and database searching and basic database analysis (e.g. BLAST).

• Computer skills and experience working with Word, Excel, and other commonly used programs.

• Strong communication skills (both verbally and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively with a diverse population at all levels of organization in person, over the phone or in writing. Ability to use diplomacy, tact, and discretion in all interactions.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

• Ability to work independently and cooperatively.

• Experience with Florescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) experiments and performing luciferase, clonogenic, anchorage independent growth, and other bio-assays.

• Basic experience with STATA and R (statistical software).

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing and able to work with small animals.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $58,548 - $94,190 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $28.04 - $45.11

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

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