Cancer Research Assistant - 134917

Founded in 2006, the Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences (RMAS) at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) comprises a large faculty of clinicians and researchers devoted to providing high-quality patient care, the development and adoption of novel radiation oncology technologies, and the advancement of academic radiation medicine through research, education and training.

Over the last decade, the Department has experienced unprecedented growth and is now the major provider of Radiation Oncology services in the greater San Diego region and has also become an internationally-recognized academic center.

Under supervision, perform experiments, make observations, and record experimental data related to research projects. Use basic cellular and molecular biological techniques to perform tissue and sterile cell culture, immunologic assays, ELISA, and development of plasmid and viral based gene transfer vectors. Assist with animal studies including assisting with breeding, injections, tumor models, and maintaining and screening transgenic mouse colony. Assist with fluorescent imaging, radiation delivery, necropsy, tissue processing, flow cytometry, cell sorting, and histology. Perform basic laboratory activities in the lab including ordering equipment and reagents, and researching journal articles to find appropriate protocols and regulations for experiments. Maintain laboratory environmental health and safety activities, including radioactive waste, chemical waste and biological waste disposal.

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

• Demonstrated experience with all aspects of tissue culture including freezing, thawing, counting cells and splitting cultures.

• Demonstrated skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as microscopes and centrifuges and nanodrop machine.

• Experience in the operation and maintenance of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) machines such as FACSCalibur, LSRII, BD Aria.

• Experience in caring for and handling small lab animals (mice, rats,) and in administering medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals. Experience in Euthanizing small laboratory animals. Familiarity with the writing of Animal Subjects protocols and with the surgical procedures. Willingness and ability to work with rodents and/or other lab animals and/or infected samples.

• Experience with standard repetitive techniques that may be required in research protocols related to a specific lab. Demonstrated ability to read, interpret and apply protocols in conducting research. Demonstrated ability in following step wise experimental protocols. Skill to troubleshoot adaptations of experimental protocols.

• Demonstrated experience working with murine tissues; tissue processing, histology analysis, and knowledge in necropsy.

• Demonstrated experience reading and using Material Safety Data Sheets. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.

• Demonstrated experience working in and maintaining a sterile environment.

• Demonstrated skill in accurate record keeping and ability to organize, analyze, and calculate data. Knowledge in basic math for maintaining ledgers, income and expenditure reports.

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as Access, MS Word and Excel. Knowledge to work with and learn new software for analysis.

• Manual dexterity and legible handwriting. Ability to assist with general lab maintenance, including cleaning and restocking supplies and managing a regular schedule in the lab.

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

• Good organizational and time management skills.

• Knowledge sufficient to coordinate studies with other departments and the lab. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.

• Demonstrated ability to assist in the writing of papers for publication, research proposals.

• Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Ability to train students on same.

• Knowledge of UCSD Environmental Health and Safety requirements including the ability to write with correct syntax and grammar and to clearly communicate ideas and protocols in writing to EH&S.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing and able to work in BioSafety Level II environment.

• Must be willing and able to work with small animals and biohazardous materials.