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 with challenging 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 supervision, perform research associate duties within a cell and molecular biology laboratory. Assist with and perform cell biological techniques (mammalian cell culture, freezing and thawing cell lines and primary cells, transfections of cells, lentiviral infections of cells, selection for antibiotics resistance, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, MTT assay, colony forming assay), molecular biological techniques (PCR, RT-qPCR, DNA cloning, DNA and RNA sequencing, siRNA knockdown, CRISPR/CAS9-mediated gene knockout and editing), protein analyses (SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation) and analytical computer skills (Image J quantification tools, nucleotide sequence analysis tools, primer design tools, CRISPR design tools). The incumbent will execute studies under the direction of the supervisor with scientific and technical supervision. Other duties include hazardous waste management, maintaining laboratory inventory, and general maintenance to ensure a safe laboratory environment.

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of cellular and molecular biology, in particular, experiences with the cell biology and molecular biology techniques outlined under job functions.

• Ability to perform standard repetitive techniques that may be required in research protocols related to the laboratory. Ability to read, interpret and apply protocols in conducting research. Skill to troubleshoot adaptations of experimental protocols.

• Willingness to work with recombinant DNA, viruses, biohazardous materials, and toxic chemicals.

• Knowledge of or experience working with a variety of laboratory equipment, including but not limited to Biosafety cabinets, PCR machines, fluorescence microscopes, flow cytometers, plate reader, CO2 incubators, centrifuges, autoclaves.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to be effective in communicating & interacting with a diverse group of people within a large laboratory setting & in administrative components within & outside the University.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety including biohazard handling & disposal techniques, & the ability to ensure laboratory compliance with required safety regulations.

• Ability to work with cultured mammalian cells under sterile conditions. Knowledge of plasmids, sterile technique, preparation of solutions/media, bacteriology & molecular cloning.

• Strong computer skills, & experience with various software packages including graphing, drawing programs, & Excel. Demonstrated ability to collect, reduce and analyze data.

• Strong organizational skills, & the ability to organize and maintain a clean laboratory, maintain inventory & order supplies.

• Knowledge of or experience with plasmid DNA construction, PCR reaction design and execution, SDS-PAGE/Immunoblotting, and CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing.

• Proven ability to take initiative and handle responsibility, and demonstrated effective time management skills.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.