#128795 Tumor Biology Lab Research Assistant

DESCRIPTION

The Moores Cancer Center is one of just 53 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD: encompassing 14 departments (12 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 3 professional schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University, and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology. These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future-oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy of career-path development for its employees including opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries, and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerated discovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

Under supervision, perform cell culture and propagation of tumor cell lines as well as transfection and cellular fractionation experiments. Independently maintain tumor cell and neurosphere cultures for use in transfection and cellular fractionation experiments. Responsible for maintaining and inventory of frozen cell stocks and routine testing for mycoplasma contamination. Process tumor specimens by extracting DNA and RNA, as well as perform cloning and subcloning of DNA fragments. Perform molecular biology/cell biologic assays, to study mouse models of cancer. Perform ordering, inventory, and basic laboratory supply management. Act as the Area Safety Coordinator for assigned laboratory space. Responsible for EH&S compliance of the laboratory and the required training of lab personnel. Prepare chemical, biological, and radiation protocols for submission to EH&S committees for review. Assist Principal Investigator with departmental budgetary and personnel matters. Integrate information obtained from scientific journals for use in the laboratory and disseminate this information to other lab members. Other duties assigned as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of cell biology and molecular biology and/or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other related areas, and/or equivalent education and experience.

• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and equipment, such as sterile techniques, preparation of buffers, centrifuges, balance pH meters and electrophoresis equipment.

• Experience performing routine cell culture techniques, such as pipetting culture media onto growing human cells in culture plates and pipetting trypsin solution onto cell layers. Experience following basic research protocols and instructions closely.

• Experience with preparing chemical solutions, including performing gel electrophoresis by mixing gel solutions and pouring into gel molds. Ability to perform standard mathematic computations (calculate molarity) accurately.

• Experience working with mice for surgical procedures, including anesthesia administration. Experience preparing reagents and cells for animal studies, performing in vivo luciferase assays, and measurement of tumor size.

• Experience and skill in using computers for basic word processing and data entry as well as PubMed and database searching and basic database analysis (e.g. BLAST).

• Ability to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.

• Organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.

• Strong communication skills (both verbally and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively with a diverse population at all levels of organization in person, over the phone or in writing. Ability to use diplomacy, tact, and discretion in all interactions.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

• Experience in performing experimental protocols and in recommending modifications to procedures and protocols.

• Experience with extracting DNA and RNA from tumor specimens, and cloning and subcloning of pertinent DNA fragments. Experience performing PCR and qPCR reactions.

• Experience with transfection of plasmids, siRNA, or other genetic material into tumor cell lines.

• Experience with Florescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) experiments and performing luciferase, clonogenic, anchorage independent growth, and other bio-assays.

• Experience working with animal care protocols and laboratory safety coordination and compliance training. Ability to integrate information obtained from scientific journals for use in the laboratory and disseminate to other lab members.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

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 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.