The Department of Medicine (DoM) is the largest department within the UCSD School of Medicine (SoM) and is responsible for fulfilling its teaching, research, and clinical missions. DoM employees approximately 500 salaried faculty, nearly 200 academic appointees, and more than 300 residents, fellows, and postdocs, supported by almost 1,000 staff members.

Under supervision, the general duties will include cellular and molecular biology techniques including flow cytometry, cell sorting, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, protein extraction, Western blotting, library preparation for single-molecule sequencing and other high throughput sequencing, microscopy, immunofluorescence, molecular cloning, virus preparation/infection, tissue culture of cell lines and primary cells, handling of mice, mouse husbandry, and injection of mice. The Research Assistant will also be involved in general laboratory maintenance and upkeep.

The Research Assistant will maintain detailed data records, and develop basic programming scripts, all under close supervision. The Research Assistant will also perform various laboratory and tissue culture facility maintenance duties (including order, store and dispense a variety of supplies; maintain equipment, assist in the operation of laboratory equipment, and general clean-up). The Research Assistant will assist supervisor and laboratory members with special experiments and various technical assignments, as necessary. Interacts effectively with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, students, and research technicians in a laboratory. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Theoretical knowledge in a social science or basic science such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry or a related field.

• Ability to follow basic research protocols and follow instructions closely. Ability to work independently and cooperatively. Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and superiors, with demonstrated skill in asking questions and advising of problems, via effective use of email, public/shared Google docs, and/or meeting schedules.

• Demonstrated computer skills (including MS Office programs), with experience updating databases by manipulating xls or doc files.

• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety and ability to work carefully with potentially harmful agents.

• Knowledge or experience with preparing primary cultures and maintaining cell lines. Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and equipment, including preparation of buffers.

• Experience with DNA and RNA extractions and library preparations for bulk and single-molecule sequencing.

• Ability to communicate with colleagues and superiors, including asking questions and notification of problems. Ability to work well with others.

• Ability to work independently and cooperatively.

• Attention to protocols and details.

• Ability to follow basic research protocols and follow instructions closely.

• Ability to maintain careful, legible and well-organized laboratory notes.

• Knowledge of Histology to examine stained tissue slides.

• Knowledge of microscopy work including immunofluorescence imaging.

• Knowledge or experience with routine PCR genotyping procedure and qRT-PCR.

• Basic knowledge of programming languages and willingness to learn novel programming languages to assist in developing of simple programming scripts.

• Understanding of UC ordering procedures.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.