UCSD Health Sciences is a $1 billion dollar plus organization encompassing 16 academic departments (14 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 2 pre-academic/hospital departments, 2 professional schools (School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), 2 hospitals, and various other programs and units all dedicated towards fulfilling the Health Sciences missions. The UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) is one of two basic science units in the School of Medicine where world-class researchers study fundamental cellular processes and pathways using a variety of techniques from classical genetics and fluorescence microscopy to high-throughput genomics, systems biology, and crystallography. Our 36 faculty and over 200 postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and research staff work on the cutting edge of biology, cutting across fields from basic biochemistry and genetics to genomics, systems biology and stem cell biology. The faculty also play a major role in medical and graduate student training, providing educational and programmatic offerings that span several disciplines and provide diversity to meet the interests of a broad spectrum of students and scholars.

The diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and talents creates a robust work environment withchallenging career opportunities and a commitment to continued growth potential. We constantly seek to recruit highly motivated, technologically-advanced, and deeply interested individuals who are ready to become a part of our dynamic research and educational environment.

Under general supervision, the Electron Microscopy Specialist will manage and perform all applicable advanced techniques in electron microscopy including collection and processing of cells and tissues, high resolution transmission EM, chemical fixation and staining, resin (plastic) processing, ultrathin sectioning, and digital imaging of multiple biomedical and cell biological projects. The incumbent will be responsible for troubleshooting the protocols as well as the electron microscopes. All of these tasks require making significant innovative contributions to the projects and methods involved.

Additional duties include providing fixation and perfusion solutions to facility users and customers. The Electron Microscopy Specialist will independently and effectively communicate with all users and customers of the EM facility; manage the recharge facility's work queue at a high rate of throughput with minimal supervision; and maintain microscopes and related equipment, storage and distribution of antibodies. Finally, the incumbent will collect data for publication, grant applications, and preparing high quality digital images as well as perform database management and record keeping duties. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Advanced knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology or related field, typically attained by an advanced degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Advance practical knowledge with electron microscopes, light microscopes, ultramicrotomes, and other laboratory equipment.

• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions, analyze situations, solve problems, and initiate actions for effective program and project management. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify problems and develop innovative solutions.

• Demonstrated experience in performing experimental protocols unsupervised and in recommending modifications to procedures and protocols to meet the needs of research projects.

• Advanced knowledge of preparatory techniques for electron microscopy.

• Demonstrated ability to organize time, set priorities, meet established deadlines and recognize new problems with constantly changing priorities and frequent interruptions.

• Demonstrated ability to create and use complex databases and to keep meticulous, accurate, and well-organized records.

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

• Practical experience in epoxy resin embedding and ultramicrotomy of biological samples for transmission electron microscopy.

• 2 years of experience in epoxy resin embedding and ultramicrotomy of biological samples for transmission electron microscopy.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to vary work schedule to accommodate research needs.

• Must be willing to work in close proximity to radioactive and biohazardous materials.

• Must be willing to have exposure to rodents.