Research Associate - 138454

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with approximately 250 Faculty, 127 postdoctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) along with over 320 support staff (not including hospital staff). In addition, the Department has 68 clinical residents distributed across the Divisions. The missions of research, education and patient care are intertwined, and are integral to the goals of the department.

The Department manages a university-affiliated children's health system with the physicians and leadership of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady Children's Hospital, and Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego, a Medical Practice Foundation, unifying pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs.

Under supervision, the incumbent will coordinate, maintain, and organize the flow of the laboratory to ensure an efficient working environment. Incumbent will order laboratory supplies, maintaining records of all key lab reagents and protocols, assist in all safety related matter, set-up preventive and maintenance appointments of equipment, and be responsible for all support services. Use all relevant trainings through experience and the UC system to delegate personnel effectively, handle all extra responsibility, and create high-performing teams. Coordinate use of core facilities and collaboration with groups conducting related research. Incumbent will assist in the investigation of blood cell production and stem cell transplantation in mouse and human cell models. Research activities will include setting up and maintaining mouse breedings, cell isolation, flow cytometry, mouse stem cell transplantation, in vitro cell culture, cell lines and cells isolated from mice, and generation of viral vectors and transduction of cells. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Theoretical knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology or related field, as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated skill in the operation and maintenance of general and special laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and ultracentrifuge, dissection and fluorescent microscopes, cell culture incubator, water bath, sterile biosafety hoods, autoclaves, fume hoods, nano drop and spectrophotometers, balances, pipetters, thermal cycler, equipment for gel electrophoresis, western blot equipment and power supplies.

• Skills in use of computer for data analysis. Ability to do inventory, interpret and present data, train lab employees and students.

• Demonstrated experience in performing and analyzing research projects under minimal supervision. Experience in recognizing problems during a research project and quickly solving these problems with minimal input from PI. Ability to follow protocols, learn new techniques and interact with others.

• Demonstrated experience with laboratory management duties and training research staff in a variety of research procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to present data in a clear and concise manner. Excellent written (using correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation), verbal and interpersonal communication skills including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility in order to work effectively with staff, study participants, and community agencies in person and on the phone.

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

• Demonstrated experience using Excel spreadsheets and other relevant software to analyze and present data from experimental results.

• Demonstrated knowledge of biosafety techniques and practices. Experience in working with chemical and biological hazards and to recognize safety problems.

• Experience with mouse breeding.

• Experience with human cell culture.

• Experience performing molecular cloning.

• Experience with mouse genetic models.

• Patience, knowledge and experience to teach principal laboratory operations, theories, molecular biology techniques, tissue culture operations and techniques, and laboratory safety procedures and policies to students and new lab members.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate data from multiple sources to synthesize conclusions. Experience in reading and abstracting scientific articles and applying to the design of experiments. Proven ability to read, comprehend, and discuss research materials.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous chemicals (appropriate handling of these items under properly defined laboratory practices).

• Must be willing to work with rodents.