Neurosciences Research Assistant - 140276

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 general supervision, Neurosciences Research Assistant independently perform histology, molecular biology, and animal research in a neurosciences laboratory studying gene therapy in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. Primary responsibilities include planning and performing histology research (tissue sectioning, immunohistochemical staining, and microscopy), molecular biology research (preparation and validation of plasmid DNA, restriction digest, gel electrophoresis, western blot, ELISA, and qPCR), and RNAscope and Basescope in situ hybridization assays. Additional responsibilities include planning and performing cell biology research (subculture of immortalized cell lines, live imaging of cultured cells, and immunocytochemistry), performing rodent surgery, and supervising the maintenance of transgenic mouse colonies. Maintain detailed records, perform rigorous data management, collaborate effectively with a diverse laboratory staff, and play an essential role in training of lab personnel. Perform scientific documentation and protocol development and on-call research operations support. Other duties as assigned.

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

• Ability and knowledge in handling and performing survival surgery in rodents.

• Ability and knowledge performing rodent perfusion and dissection.

• Experience with transgenic mouse breeding and genotyping.

• General familiarity with tissue sectioning and immunohistochemistry.

• General familiarity with cell and molecular biology techniques.

• Strong 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.

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

• Experience performing histology with Human tissue

• Solid skills in data quantification and statistical analysis using ImageJ and GraphPad Prism, figure generation software.

• Excellent scientific writing skills pertaining to manuscripts and scientific papers, and experience performing literature review.

• Experience with of handling clinical trial samples and maintaining chain-of-custody documentation.

• Experience performing stereotactic injection of rodent brain.

• Experience performing intrathecal infusion in rodents.

• Experience performing light, fluorescent, and confocal microscopy.

• 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 basescope assays.

• Experience managing biohazardous waste disposal.

• Knowledge of the UCSD waste tag program.

• Must be willing and able to work with live rats and mice and human tissue in a research related environment.
• Must be willing to work on occasional weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.