DESCRIPTION

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.

Reporting to the principal investigator (PI), the incumbent will independently be responsible for overseeing lab operations in a lab dedicated to investigating fundamental epigenetic mechanisms involved in early development and human health.

This position will serve as the point person for receiving, inventorying and processing samples. Incumbent will oversee and perform general laboratory maintenance and act as Safety and Chemical Hygiene Officer. Duties include purchasing supplies, inspecting and maintaining lab equipment, working with outside vendors, keeping inventory of reagents, supplies and protocols used in the lab, orienting new employees to laboratory practices, and guiding lab personnel in research safety training.

Under general guidance, independently and in collaboration with others, perform a wide variety of standard procedures related to tissue culture, molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, and liquid handling automation. Under supervision, incumbent will establish experimental protocols and assist in optimizing assays and developing novel protocols. Individual will independently analyze data and present findings at lab meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Four (4) years of molecular biology lab experience, education/training; OR a Bachelor's degree in a field of science or technology.

• Proven experience in molecular biology techniques, including most of the following: recombinant DNA cloning, DNA and RNA purification, RT-PCR, PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, electrophoresis, Western blotting. Demonstrated ability to calculate and prepare solutions and dilutions.

• Proficiency in aseptic tissue culture technique. Ability to maintain, pass, transfect, treat and preserve mammalian cell lines under sterile conditions. Understanding of cell growth and differentiation, media requirements, and contamination issues.

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

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

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

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

• Proven 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Hands-on 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.
• Knowledge of and experience with UCSD purchasing procedures and IFIS.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents, including human cells (up to BSL2).