Research Technician - Medicine - 140180

The Department of Medicine is the largest department within the UCSD School of Medicine and is responsible for fulfilling the teaching, research, and clinical missions of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.

Under the guidance of the principal investigator (PI), the incumbent will be trained in and perform a variety of standard procedures related to tissue culture, molecular biology and next-generation sequencing, as well as laboratory maintenance. Individual will assist with analyzing data and present findings at lab meetings. Duties may include purchasing supplies, inspecting and maintaining lab equipment, working with outside vendors, and keeping inventory of reagents, supplies and protocols used in the lab. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge as is typically acquired by a Bachelor's of Science degree in an appropriated field of science or technology or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in aseptic tissue culture technique. Demonstrated ability to maintain, pass, transfect, treat and preserve mammalian cell lines under sterile conditions. Demonstrated ability to cultivate and differentiate human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells. Understanding of cell growth and differentiation, media requirements, and contamination issues.

• Experience in performing flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting and associated data analysis.

• Knowledge of light and fluorescence microscopy and familiarity with image analysis.

• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including: DNA and RNA purification, plasmid prep, PCR, electrophoresis. Ability to calculate and prepare solutions and dilutions.

• Ability to work independently to effectively prioritize tasks and work with a large number of samples with accuracy and efficiency.

• Knowledge of personal computers and software to include experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe CS (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat).

• Excellent interpersonal skills to effective deal with a diverse workforce.

• Excellent communication skills for oral presentations, written reports, and one-on-one laboratory training.

• Ability to take direction, be detail-oriented and follow step-wise instruction.

• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team, establishing and maintaining good working relationships with P.I., supervisor, postdoctoral scholars, and other members of the research group.

• Experience working with DNA and RNA viruses.

• Experience with recombinant DNA cloning, including restriction digest, ligation, Gibson assembly or similar, as well as protein purification, immunoprecipitation, Western blotting.

• Experience in library preparation for Illumina Next Generation sequencing, including the techniques ChIP-seq, RNA-seq. Ability to quantitate libraries with accuracy using quantitative PCR and fluorometry.

• Knowledge of EH&S regulations and requirements for laboratory safety, including methods for handling, cleaning and disposal of waste.

• Knowledge of and experience with UCSD purchasing procedures and IFIS.

• Knowledge of general laboratory housekeeping procedures including maintaining inventory and equipment, ordering supplies, preparing solutions, maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents, including human cells and blood samples from healthy donors and HIV-infected individuals, adeno-associated viruses, retroviruses (up to BSL2+).

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

• Occasional evenings and rarely weekends may be required.