Lab Assistant II - 137857

The Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences (RMAS) is a leading clinical-academic department within the UCSD School of Medicine and is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, nurses, dosimetrists, and researchers dedicated to advancing patient care. The Center for Precision Radiation Medicine (CPRM) is comprised of a dynamic research group within RMAS includes both wet and dry laboratories located within the Altman Clinical Translational Research Institute and the Moores Cancer Center. Our programs span the breadth of radiation sciences including: basic science and radiobiology, translational research, radiomics and imaging, and clinical trials. The overarching goal of CPRM is to improve patient care through the use of precision radiation therapy approaches and combinatorial therapeutics.

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), the incumbent will assist in laboratory duties in a Breast Cancer laboratory dedicated to studying the basic underpinnings of breast cancer through preclinical models, cell biology and clinical research. Key responsibilities include assist with maintaining culture systems and preclinical model systems, and performing basic laboratory techniques. Assist with microscopy imaging and molecular biology assays. In addition to technical lab duties, the job will involve limited laboratory management tasks such as inventory maintenance, sample organization, and aliquoting. Closely collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure seamless integration of experimental workflows aligned with project goals. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Demonstrated knowledge, skill and ability to operate standard lab equipment including scales, balances, spectrophotometer, centrifuges, pH meters, colony counters, dishwasher, autoclaves, various microscopes, etc., with the ability to troubleshoot problems and perform minor repairs.

• Demonstrated knowledge and handling of hazardous waste (including animal carcasses) and biohazardous waste disposal regulations and associated safety techniques and requirements, and the willingness and ability to maintain and upgrade training and certificates as required.

• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory safety precautions, including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, and use of protective gear such as gloves and goggles. Familiarity with Material Safety Data Sheets.

• Basic math skills (by hand or calculator) to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentage calculations. Must be able to calculate molarities, normalities and percentages.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including skill to understand and carry out written and oral instructions and interact with clients and colleagues with diverse personalities and educational levels, using diplomacy, flexibility, and tact.

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, with the ability to receive and follow instruction from multiple work directors.

• Experience with computers (MAC or Windows) and associated standard business software (e.g., email, web browser, word processing and spreadsheet), web applications, and all associated computer hardware, with the willingness and ability to update and increase skills as required.

• Skill and ability to maintain a variety of written and/or computer records.

• Demonstrated ability to perform routine daily lab management tasks.

• Outstanding demonstrated administrative and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to multitask, meet multiple deadlines, and deal with interruptions and changing priorities.

• Ability to dissect mice and rats. Knowledge and skill to handle and care for animal subjects and dispose of carcasses.

• Knowledge of medical and scientific terminology specifically with those associated with cellular cancer biology.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends, if necessary.

• Must be willing to work flexible schedule in order to complete experiments as necessary.

• Must be willing and able to work with and dispose of animal carcasses, chemicals and biohazardous wastes, including maintaining all required safety certifications.

• Must be willing to work with laboratory animals.