Staff Research Associate - 133037

Under supervision, will independently perform research techniques, and troubleshoot new and established assay techniques. Independently perform and analyze in vivo and in vitro experiments to study the role of liver damage in development of liver cancer. Responsible for culturing and maintaining cells in vitro, stimulating with agonists and reagents, isolating RNA and proteins, analyzing RNA expression by QPCR and protein expression by western blot. Assist lab personnel and coordinate laboratory support. Directly train and provide work direction for the daily activities of undergraduate assistants and/or junior technical staff. Orient new lab members, i.e. visiting researchers, post-doc and students on lab policies. Provide research coordination and ensure laboratory safety, maintain laboratory inventory, perform general lab maintenance and order supplies. The goal of this project is to understand how liver damage due to obesity and NASH can lead to liver cancer. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge of immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, and protein chemistry.

• Demonstrated experience performing standard molecular biology techniques, including PCR, SDS Page electrophoresis, western blotting, ELISA assays, and recombinant DNA manipulation.

• Knowledge of various cell based assays pertaining to investigating cell phenotypes.

• Demonstrated experience performing culture primary cells and immortalized cells in vitro. Knowledge of immune cell types.

• Ability to follow UCSD Safety and Hazardous Materials guidelines. Ability and willingness to work with hazardous/biohazardous materials.

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

• Demonstrated experience performing and willingness to handle blood, plasma and other tissue specimens for processing and shipping. Must be willing and able to work with animals, biohazardous materials and radioactivity.

• Demonstrated experience performing mice tail vein bleeding for various studies.

• Demonstrated experience performing various mice handling techniques.

• Demonstrated experience establishing rodent obesity models including high fat feeding and lipid infusion.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in flow cytometry and operation of a FACS calibur instrument. Ability performing and interpreting results from experiments with human and mouse cells stained with specific fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibodies.

• Demonstrated experience in maintaining well-organized lab and thorough records. Basic math skills and ability to handle accounting and billing practices.

• Ability to work under supervision and independently on projects with a variety of personalities.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing and able to work weekends and evenings when necessary.

• Must be willing to work with mice.

• Must be trained in and able to handle hazardous/biohazardous materials.