Cancer Research Associate - 120663

The Department of Medicine is responsible for fulfilling the teaching, research, and clinical missions of the University of California, San Diego and employs 486+ full-time salaried faculty members and 100+ academic appointees. Staff personnel include 600+ staff in 9 bargaining units, students, and volunteers. There are 250 clinical faculty practicing at multiple sites and hospitals.

Under supervision, the Research Associate will independently work in a translational hematology lab studying hematological malignancies. The incumbent will work with a variety of human blood and bone marrow samples and established human cell lines to study the onset, progression, and treatment of hematological malignancies. Incumbent will independently perform in vivo and in vitro assays, train new lab members, plan experiments, analyze data, and contribute to scientific papers. Incumbent will manage a large and complex mouse colony inventory and independently perform experiments making technical determinations and observations related to research projects and design. Incumbent will keep detailed records of all aspects of experimental data. Incumbent will assist in data preparation and drafting of manuscripts. Incumbent will serve as the laboratory safety officer to ensure that safe work practices are followed as dictated by EH&S guidelines.

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

• Experience with all aspects of tissue culture including freezing, thawing, counting cells and splitting cultures.

• Skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as confocal and quantitative fluorescent microscopes, centrifuges, nanodrop, IVIS imaging machine, and flow cytometer.

• Experience in caring for and handling small lab animals (mice) and in administering medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals. Experience in Euthanizing small laboratory animals. Familiarity with the writing of Animal Subjects protocols and with the surgical procedures. Willingness and ability to work with rodents and/or other lab animals and/or infected samples.

• Demonstrated experience working with human tissues; tissue trimming, histology analysis, and knowledge in necropsy.

• Experience with standard repetitive techniques that may be required in research protocols related to a specific lab. Ability to read, interpret and apply protocols in conducting research. Ability in following step wise experimental protocols. Skill to troubleshoot adaptations of experimental protocols.

• Demonstrated experience working in and maintaining a sterile environment.

• Experience in the design, construction, production, purification, and use of viral gene transfer vectors, including adenoviral, lentiviral and retroviral vectors.

• Proven skill in accurate record keeping and ability to organize, analyze, and calculate data. Knowledge in basic math for maintaining ledgers, income and expenditure reports.

• Demonstrated ability to assist in the writing of papers for publication, research proposals.

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as Access, MS Word and Excel. Knowledge to work with and learn new software for analysis.

• Manual dexterity and legible handwriting. Ability to assist with general lab maintenance, including cleaning and restocking supplies and managing a regular schedule in the lab.

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.

• Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Ability to train students on same.

• Knowledge of UCSD Environmental Health and Safety requirements including the ability to write with correct syntax and grammar and to clearly communicate ideas and protocols in writing to EH&S.

• Theoretical knowledge of normal and malignant hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology sufficient to aid in the design and interpretation of experiments on those topics.
• Experience working with primary human cells, including isolation and culture techniques.
• Experience in caring for and handling small lab animals (mice) and in administering medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals.
• Experience in Euthanizing small laboratory animals. Familiarity with the writing of Animal Subjects protocols and with the surgical procedures.
• Ability to work with rodents and/or other lab animals and/or infected samples. to preferred qualifications and remove from minimum qualifications.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
• Must be willing to work with small animals.
• Must be willing to work with biohazardous and hazardous materials.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Majority of time will be spent at Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive La Jolla, CA 92037, but occasionally may need to travel to Moores Cancer Center 3855 Health Sciences Drive La Jolla, CA 92093.

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

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!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

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UC San Diego Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:

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