#121640 Stem Cell Research Associate

DESCRIPTION

The lab studies human eye development, disease and regeneration. This position seeks a highly motivated individual to carry out innovative research studying human eye development and disease using pluripotent stem cells to produce human retinal organoids and retinal monolayer cultures. This position will involve using CRISPR gene-editing to modify human stem cells for studies of retinal imaging and gene function and analytical skills including microscopy/image analysis and molecular analysis including qPCR and RNAseq to study changes in gene expression.

Responsibilities will be to support all aspects of the lab including novel research including stem cell cultures, maintaining and differentiating stem cells, immunocytochemistry, PCR, support for molecular biology related to gene-editing of human pluripotent stem cells. Incumbent will also be responsible for lab organization (e.g. inventory management), ordering of lab reagents, lab equipment maintenance and general support including to support preliminary data for grants grants, preparation of figures for manuscripts and other administrative support as needed. Applicants will also be in charge of relevant EH&S certifications for the lab. This is an excellent environment for learning new techniques and building upon existing skills. While this is a primarily a support role there is plenty of opportunity to publish new findings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Biochemistry or Genetics, or equivalent fields and hands on lab experience at the bench.

• Experience with cell culture, preferably stem cells and their differentiation.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong, demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing. Possess skills of tact, poise, diplomacy, confidentiality and flexibility in a lab environment comprised of a diverse group of research personnel.

• Experience performing some of the following techniques: PCR, cloning, CRISPR gene -editing, transfection of cells in tissue culture, molecular techniques to evaluate expression (qPCR, ddPCR) and function of targeted molecules.

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

• Experience with general lab maintenance including cleaning, stocking supplies, aliquoting.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting results to senior staff, writing reports, reviews and summaries.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be able to maintain a detailed digital laboratory notebook accessible by the PI and other laboratory members.
• Experience with RNA sequencing is preferred but not required. If no experience, there must be interest in developing new bioinformatics skills related to RNAseq, single cell RNAseq as well as R- and python programming languages. Most of this can be taught on the job.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• This job is for a minimum of two (2) years.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing to work with pluripotent stem cells (including NIH approved lines of embryonic origin).
• Must be available to work some weekends and evenings to complete experiments as needed.

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: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

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