DESCRIPTION

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with approximately 250 Faculty, 127 postdoctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) along with over 320 support staff (not including hospital staff). In addition, the Department has 68 clinical residents distributed across the Divisions. The missions of research, education and patient care are intertwined, and are integral to the goals of the department.

The Department manages a university-affiliated children's health system with the physicians and leadership of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady Children's Hospital, and Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego, a Medical Practice Foundation, unifying pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs.

The incumbent will work in the UCSD Biochemical Genetics Laboratory which is a California Licensed, CLIA and CAP approved Clinical Laboratory. The Biochemical Genetics Lab is an independent reference laboratory that performs clinical tests for pediatric metabolic disorders, as well as clinical testing related to COVID-19. This position involves preparation, testing, analysis, tracking and monitoring of samples. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining procedures (SOP's) in accordance with State of California, CLIA and CAP guidelines. The incumbent coordinates and participates in method updates and validation. Monitors assay quality controls, trouble-shooting and equipment maintenance. This position involves accessioning of clinical samples, extraction of nucleic acids, qPCR or other nucleic acid detection methods, and protein assays. Clerical responsibilities to include worksheet generation, report generation, filing, data management and analysis, supply inventories and report generation in laboratory information systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge in a life science as is typically acquired by a Bachelors Degree in a field related to molecular, cellular, and developmental biology and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in a variety of laboratory techniques.

• Ability and willingness to handle and work with human biospecimens and other bio-hazardous, toxic, and carcinogenic materials, and to recognize safety problems. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Bio-hazardous Material Guidelines.

• Demonstrated skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment.

• Experience with experimental design, execution, and analysis and interpretation of results.

• Demonstrated experience with DNA and RNA isolation, RTPCR and qPCR.

• Proficient with the operation of PC's and associated software, including Word, Excel, etc. Demonstrated ability to work with and learn new software for data-analysis.

• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.

• Experience in keeping accurate and well-organized lab records, lab notebook and computer data files.

• Prior experience and demonstrated organizational skills in the order/maintenance of lab equipment and supplies.

• Superb oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for learning.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MS or PhD are preferred.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be available for working according to variable schedules including occasional weekends.
• Must be able to work occasional extended shifts and/or flexible hours.
• Must have access to reliable transportation. Must be willing to travel off-site.
• Willingness to work with human embryonic stem cells.