Molecular Biology and Mouse Lab Associate - 138567

The UCSD Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences is composed of 78 Clinical and Research Faculty, Clinical Fellows, Residents, Project Scientists, and Postdoctoral Scholars. The department is composed of 8 divisions: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Gynecologic Oncology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hospitalist, Complex Family Planning, Urogynecologic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. The department is currently ranked 5th in the nation in NIH funding among OB/GYN departments.

Under supervision, the laboratory technician will perform biology research involving mice. The technician will manage the research mouse colony, including compliance with ACP and IACUC policies. Duties include: breed, wean, handle, sample, inject, analyze, and euthanize mice & conduct basic surgical procedures and collect blood and tissues from mice. The technician will execute mouse studies under direction of the supervisor or senior lab personnel with minimal technical supervision and manage the mouse colony census file (Excel). They will also assist other lab members on neuroscience, endocrinology, and reproduction experiments in mice. The technician will perform molecular biology techniques including RNA/DNA extractions, DNA analysis (genotyping), RT-PCR, qPCR, cloning, running gels, and transcription reactions. The technician will make lab solutions and reagents. They will also perform histology techniques, such as tissue collection from mice, tissue cutting onto microscope slides (using a cryostat), preparation of tissue samples for microscopy analysis, and assist other lab personnel in histological assays and analyses. The position also involves directly training undergraduate researchers, performing general lab maintenance, ordering, stocking supplies, and helping to manage biohazard waste and EH&S and safety compliance.

• Good theoretical knowledge of biology or related fields such as physiology, endocrinology, or neuroscience as typically attained through a Bachelor's degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology research techniques, such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, genotyping, work with plasmids or cell lines, and gel electrophoresis.

• Previous experience handling, breeding, euthanizing, injecting, and sampling of laboratory mice or rats.

• Previous experience with collecting blood or tissue from mice or rats.

• Demonstrated experience with preparation of solutions/media, sterile technique, and basic molecular biology techniques, such as RT-PCR, genotyping, and running gels.

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and handle responsibility and tasks in a dependent, reliable, high-quality, and efficient manner.

• Strong organization and communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written) in order to interact professionally and effectively with faculty, staff, and students and in a laboratory setting

• Experience working with DNA, biohazardous research materials, and/or toxic research chemicals and working with a variety of common laboratory equipment, including but not limited to incubators, centrifuges, thermocyclers, autoclaves, water baths, spectrophotometers, gel electrophoresis, cryostats, & darkroom equipment.

• Experience using a cryostat machine (or related equipment, such as a microtome) to cut or prepare rodent tissues for histology & experience with tissue staining, immunohistochemistry, or in situ hybridization.

• Experience with survival surgical procedures in mice or rats.

• Must be willing to work with mice as an experimental model.

• Must be able to work various hours (occasional evenings and weekends) and locations based on business needs.

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous material and toxic research chemicals.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.