#123407 Research Assistant

DESCRIPTION

The Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 53 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD: encompassing 28 departments, 6 schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Biological Sciences & the School of Physical Sciences), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI). These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future-oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy of career-path development for its employees including opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerated discovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

Under supervision, but works under close technical supervision, assist with biochemical and cellular biology studies of ubiquitination, sumoylation, neddylation, autophagy, and interferon response. Assist with mouse colony management and genotyping using established PCR techniques. Work with small animals and assist with procedures such as surgery, injections and monitoring pregnancies. Assist with various cell culture techniques such as performing flow cytometry analysis of cell surface protein expression, cell propagation, contaminant testing, and cryopreservation. Assist with immunohistochemistry of frozen and fixed tissues or cells. Assist with protein biochemistry techniques including protein quantification, SDS PAGE, immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting. Maintain and prepare accurate records of all experiments. Assist in the preparation of data for publication. Other duties assigned as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, and/or biochemistry.

• Ability to perform molecular biology techniques including PCR, RT-PCR, cDNA synthesis, gene expression analysis, recombinant protein expression, RNA/DNA isolation, protein purification.

• Ability to perform cell biology techniques including: mammalian cell culture, DNA transfection, cell fractionation and differential centrifugation, fluorescence- and luminescence-based bioassays.

• Experience in immunology, including ability to perform immunofluorescence assays, ELISA, immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation.

• Ability to perform light, fluorescence and confocal microscopy techniques to visualize protein expression in tissue sections.

• 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. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.

• Ability and willingness to handle and work with small animals. Experience to assist with mouse genotyping using DNA isolation, established PCR-based methods and argarose gel electrophoresis. Ability to assist in performing mouse surgeries, experiments, and injections.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality. Organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.

• Basic understanding of computer applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Ability to learn to use histological and immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate protein localization in fixed cells or tissues.

• Ability to perform sterile eukaryotic cell culture techniques.

• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize work.

• Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, autoclaves and electrophoresis equipment.

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

• Ability to learn to perform DNA and protein characterization techniques using electrophoretic analysis.

• Familiar in proper handling of chemical and biohazard materials. Familiarity with sterile techniques.

• Ability to conduct biochemical analysis of ubiquitination, sumoylation, autophagy and neddylation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Internet search and software analysis capabilities.

• Knowledge and experience with PRISM.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

• Detail-oriented. Ability to work with little supervision. Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions. Ability to follow-up on previously begun procedures. Ability to accurately record data and enter into appropriate medium.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing and able to work with hazardous materials (biological and chemical) and small animals.

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

UC San Diego Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.