#128820 Research Technician

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Neurosciences is a large department within the UCSD School of Medicine. The Department’s mission is to create thesynergies and define the ideas and programs that will allow us to transform the way our neurosciences community discovers, teaches andcares. We strive to conduct cutting-edge science and research and train the next generation of neurologists and researchers by fosteringeducation at all levels and integrating the latest scientific and medical advances into the curriculum.

Located in the Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior at University of California, San Diego, Dr. Loren Looger’s lab uses proteinengineering to create tools for studying and manipulating the brain and other biological samples. Dr. Looger’s team combinescomputational and evolutionary methods to create new reagents for use in characterizing and manipulating the assembly and function ofneural circuits. The team designs and tests these reagents and other tools in collaboration with other scientists. More information about Dr.Looger’s research can be found by visiting https://profiles.ucsd.edu/loren.looger , https://www.hhmi.org/scientists/loren-l-looger , andhttps://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wgpPMeEAAAAJ.

The incumbent should be an experienced, self- motivated person for the role of Research Associate/Technician. Under supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and the lab manager, Research Technician will perform a limited variety of non-standard experimental procedures. Responsibilities include molecular biology, protein characterization, and routine laboratory tasks. They will assist and perform research focusing on 1) reagent preparation including LB plates, competent cells, autoclaved culture media, glassware sterilization, restocking, etc., 2) assisting fellow lab members in making genetically encoded tools for biology using molecular biology, protein expression and characterization, and other routine laboratory tasks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical and practical background in molecular biology combined with college level coursework in molecular biology or related science with laboratory experience typically attained by a bachelor’s degree.

• Ability to perform a limited variety of non-standard experimental procedures involving biochemical, anatomical and molecular approaches with accuracy and attention to detail. Willingness and ability to learn new techniques and tasks.

• Basic knowledge of medical and scientific terminology and familiar with those associated with molecular biology.

• Strong computer skills and experience with the operation of all basic software application such as Word and Excel.

• Ability to learn new molecular biology procedures and techniques readily and to adapt standard methods to new situations.

• Ability to perform accurate record keeping and organize and calculate data. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in a efficient and productive manner.

• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population. Demonstrated ability to effectively prepare manuscripts for publication.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility. Ability to work independently and/or in a teamframework in conjunction with principles of community and in a lab environment that interacts with a diverse group of research and technical personnel and other laboratories.

• Knowledge and skill in the safe and efficient operation of lab equipment including hand-held pipettors, pH meters, glassware

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to plan effectively.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Strong scientific and technical background in molecular and cellular biology.

• One (1) year hands-on experience working in a laboratory environment.

• Experience or proficiency in making solutions and media, operating and calibrating a pH meter, production of competent cells, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and protein gels (SDS-PAGE).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of UCSD/EH&S procedures for lab safety.

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

• Proficiency with common molecular biology software (SnapGene, LaserGene, Geneious, etc.).

• Experience working with fluorescent proteins.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous materials.

• Must be willing to work flexible schedule in order to complete experiments as necessary.

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!

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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

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.