Lab Assistant - 139091

The Center for Neural Repair in the UC San Diego Department of Neurosciences studies gene and cell therapies for spinal cord injury and for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Under supervision, the Lab Assistant II assist in providing surgical and veterinary support in a neurosciences research laboratory studying gene therapy in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. Primary responsibilities include assist with rodent surgery, rodent post-operative care, perfusion, and dissection, as well as maintaining transgenic mouse lines. Additional responsibilities include assisting with histology and processing of human and non-human primate tissues (tissue sectioning, immunohistochemical staining, and microscopy), molecular biology (preparation and validation of plasmid DNA, restriction digest, and gel electrophoresis), and RNAscope and Basescope in situ hybridization assays. Maintain detailed records, perform rigorous data management, and collaborate effectively with a diverse laboratory staff. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Experience handling rodents and performing rodent perfusion and dissection.

• Experience performing stereotactic injection of rodent brain.

• Knowledge of transgenic mouse breeding and genotyping.

• Experience with sectioning of rodent tissue on microtome and cryostat.

• Knowledge of and some experience performing routine histology and immunohistochemistry.

• Computer skills and experience with word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics software. Ability to learn new software for analysis of microscopic images.

• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills and ability to keep accurate records, prepare study reports, and write detailed protocols.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse laboratory staff, politely resolve issues, and communicate clearly.

• Knowledge of basic lab safety requirements and procedures including EH&S regulations and methods for handling, clean-up, and waste disposal for biohazardous materials.

• Experience performing light, fluorescent, and confocal microscopy.

• Experience performing rodent surgery.

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

• Scientific thinking skills and ability to troubleshoot assays, identify and correct problems, improve protocols, and train others.

• Experience performing histology with Human tissue

• Experience performing specific molecular biology techniques including: bacterial culture; plasmid DNA subcloning, verification, and purification; western blot; ELISA; PCR; qPCR; RT-qPCR.

• Experience performing specific cell biology techniques including: subculture of immortalized cell lines; electroporation and transfection of cultured cells; live imaging; immunocytochemistry.

• Experience performing RNAscope and basescope assays.

• Experience managing biohazardous waste disposal and knowledge of the UCSD waste tag program.

• Must be willing and able to work with rodents in a research environment.

• Must be willing to work on occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Employment is subject to pre-employment physical for those who work in clinical settings and/or with patients.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.