Research Associate - 121774

The Moores Cancer Center is one of just 53 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, interact and work with current Transgenic/Gene-targeting Core Facility personnel to provide transgenic and knockout mice to investigators in a full-scale production setting. Responsibilities include: mouse surgeries, embryo manipulation, tissue and embryo collection, embryonic stem cell tissue culture, record keeping, animal husbandry, recording results, and maintaining animal colonies. Additional duties include data management and lab support, and interaction with core clients, Principle Investigators, Core Manager Animal Care Program, and Core Directors.

• Theoretical knowledge of nucleic acid chemistry, recombinant DNA manipulations, and gene transfer.

• Experience working with and handling small animals including mice. Experience with small animal husbandry and willingness to sacrifice mice. Knowledge of mouse reproduction and embryology.

• Working knowledge of nucleic acid chemistry, recombinant DNA manipulations and gene transfer.

• Demonstrated ability in tissue culture techniques and sterile technique.

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

• Ability to exercise judgment, initiative and resourcefulness in making decisions.

• Experience organizing and maintaining mouse colonies.

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

• Ability to learn and carry out new experimental procedures with accuracy and efficiency.

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

• Ability to accurately follow step-wise experimental protocols.

• Ability to work independently

• Good computer skills, including word processing, Microsoft Word, Excel, Filemaker Pro and Adobe Photoshop.

• Experience with Embryonic Stem cell (ES) gene targeting.

• Ability to perform duties including implantation surgery, injecting hormones and embryo collection and/or experience with Embryonic Stem cell (ES) gene targeting.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing and able to work occasional weekends and Holidays as needed.

• Must be willing and able to work with mice and perform surgeries on live mice and sacrifice mice.