Animal/Laboratory Staff Research Associate - 134552

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 Staff Research Associate will be performing molecular biology procedures and laboratory animal work within the Department of Psychiatry, while working under the general direction of the faculty member. The incumbent will perform and assist in DNA/RNA isolation and NGS library preparation procedures and maintain animal colony operations while ensuring compliance with laboratory protocols. Duties include maintaining a colony of rats and performing molecular biology work for genotyping (isolating DNA from tissue samples and preparing it for NGS applications) according to the laboratory protocols. Colony management duties include updating and maintaining IACUC protocol and working with vivarium staff; establishing breeding timelines to accommodate research needs, keeping a detailed record in the database, working with bioinformatic team on data transfer; coordinating with animal transferring with collaborators and prepare paperwork for shipment. The Staff Research Associate will assist in performing dissection and collect tissue samples, perform and optimize genotyping assay from rodent tissue samples. The incumbent will support with identifying problems and help troubleshooting and be responsible for keeping laboratory equipment clean and in working order. Keep excellent records about the sample processing according to established procedures. Coordinate sample flow information with the data team. Assist in maintaining inventory and stock of lab consumables, and in keeping records for expenses according to UCSD protocols. Assist with other tasks as needed.

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

• General laboratory experience.

• Experience in handling molecular biology equipment - multichannel pipetters, epMotion robot, tape station etc.

• Experience in molecular biology laboratory technique, including DNA isolation and preparation of sequencing libraries.

• Ability to recognize, report and troubleshoot technical problems.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Proficiency in laboratory animal handling and procedures.

• Demonstrated experience in maintaining rodent breeding colony.

• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain detailed breeding records (including genetics and lineage of all animals) based on instructions from the supervisor and the lab manager.

• Extreme attention to details, high standards for accuracy and documentation. Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills.

• Must have the ability to work under own initiative as well as to work meticulously under close direction.

• Excellent time management and communication skills.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a laboratory setting and coordinate with multiple teams.

• Proficiency in rodent dissection, tissue sampling, and DNA/RNA extraction, with a solid understanding of rodent anatomy and handling procedures.

• Knowledge of NGS library preparation protocols and laboratory safety protocols.

• Familiarity with quality control procedures

• Experience to conduct basic data analysis and proven record-keeping abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

• Academic courses in relevant subjects, such as genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry.

• Experience with automation and high-throughput procedures.

• Familiarity with the IACUC system, including submitting transfer requests, updating protocols, and ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.

• Knowledge of bioinformatics and data management.

• Experience in rodent tissue sampling.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be able to work in the lab with DNA tissue samples.

• Must be willing to handle laboratory animals.

• Must be able to work overtime, weekends, and evenings if needed.

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!

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.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace