Lab Research Study Coordinator - 134419

The Department of Surgery is one of the largest departments in the School of Medicine and is comprised of 102 full time faculty members, 220 voluntary faculty members, 20 physicians employed on MSP agreements, 25 doctors employed by the VA or other facilities, 77 accredited and 13 non-accredited trainees and 100 career staff. Activities are organized in 13 sub-specialty divisions. Annual expenditures across the Department total over $66.5M with a global research portfolio of over $19M. The missions of research, education and patient care are intertwined, and are integral to the goals of the department.

As a leader in research and patient care, the UC San Diego Department of Surgery is committed to providing the latest in expert and compassionate treatment, performing leading-edge research, and training the next generation of top plastic surgeons. UC San Diego Health is currently ranked among America's best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

Under supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), incumbent perform research in an NIH-funded Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Laboratory. Duties include, but are not limited to, performing a variety of basic laboratory procedures, involving mouse developmental biology, genotyping by PCR, animal care, special feeding, and drug administration via oral gavage and intravenous, animal testing, and performing surgical procedures in small species; collecting tissue samples, cardiac, retro-orbital and tail blood draw; processing tissue samples for immunohistochemical analyses; cell culture; confocal microscopy; tissue culturing; protein analysis, Western Blotting, Northen Blotting; RNA analysis; and DNA analysis.

Additionally, assist with laboratory maintenance duties include tracking and maintaining appropriate laboratory inventory, ordering supplies, tracking and maintaining appropriate certifications and laboratory employees, preparing and submitting research proposals, serving as liaison between regulatory entities and the PI, etc.

• Advanced theoretical knowledge and/or Bachelor's Degree in medicine, molecular biology, cancer biology, cell biology and histology and/or work experience.

• Demonstrated strong experience and knowledge in coordinating major mouse experiments, such as planning injection and drug treatment dosing schedule.

• Strong demonstrated experience using laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, autoclaves and electrophoresis equipment.

• Strong demonstrated experience performing DNA and protein characterization techniques using electrophoretic analysis.

• Demonstrated experience with protein biochemistry techniques; including quantification, ELISA assays, SDS PAGE, Western and Immunoblotting, phosphorylations and gel electrophoresis.

• Demonstrated experience performing sterile eukaryotic cell culture techniques, PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.

• Demonstrated experience performing multi-parametric flow cytometry and cell sorting.

• Demonstrated experience in sectioning of paraffin embedded and frozen tissues with microtome and crytome equipment.

• Demonstrated experience using histological and immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate protein localization in fixed cells or tissues.

• Demonstrated experience performing light, fluorescence and confocal microscopy techniques to visualize protein expression in tissue sections.

• Detail-oriented. Demonstrated ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions, including follow-up on previously begun procedures. Demonstrated accurate record data and enter into appropriate medium.

• Demonstrated experience in proper handling of chemical and biohazard materials. Demonstrated experience with sterile techniques.

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

• Experience with computer software such as Excel and Prism to analyze data, store results and compute raw data.

• Demonstrated experience of computer applications such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Internet search and software analysis capabilities. Must be fluent in diverse operative systems, including Microsoft Windows and MAC OS. Adobe skills required, including Photoshop, Acrobat, Fireworks, and Illustrator, as well as mastering of Word, Power Point, Excel and GraphPad Prism, Sigma Plot and SSPS statistical software.

• Demonstrated experience handling and working with small animals, including demonstrated experience conducting mouse surgeries, experiments, and injections. Knowledge in conducting euthanization of small animals.

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as to effectively and accurately document research procedures. Demonstrated ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.

• Demonstrated experience ordering and maintaining lab equipment and supplies.

• Experience in troubleshooting problems for quality control on every immunochemical and histochemical procedures.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to work occasional overtime, weekends and holidays.

• Must be willing to work night shifts.

• Must be willing and able to work safely with hazardous materials.

• Must be willing to work with animal models.