Histology Lab Research Assistant - 134274

The Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 57 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, the Histology Lab Research Assistant will assist with performing routine histology and histochemistry on human and rodent formalin fixed-paraffin embedded (FFPE) and frozen samples from multiple projects, using standard protocols and proper positives and negatives control. Will prepare buffers and solutions. Will be able to perform independently all duties after the proper training is complete.

The Histology Lab Research Assistant will assist with laboratory environmental health and safety activities including radioactive, chemical and biological waste disposal. Must comply and keep up to date on all safety training.

• Theoretical knowledge of biology, histology or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Previous laboratory experience.

• Ability to calculate and prepare chemical solutions accurately.

• Must be willing and able to work with human and rodent samples, bio-hazardous materials and potential carcinogens.

• Ability to follow step wise experimental protocols.

• Knowledge in the operation of a personal computer, including Access, MS Word and Excel.

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

• Ability to learn and carry out new experimental procedures with accuracy and efficiency.

• Ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.

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

• 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.

• Skill and ability to keep accurate data.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Knowledge in basic math for maintaining ledgers, income and expenditures reports.

• Knowledge in using balance, processor, embedder, microtome and cryostat.

• Experience in assisting with cutting frozen and paraffin sections for histology.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous material and potential carcinogens.