Staff Research Associate III - 138222

The Department of Pathology at UC San Diego aims to achieve the highest standards in patient care, research and education. The Department provides diagnostic pathology services in a wide variety of subspecialties with highly trained subspecialists who are recognized for their expertise. The Department's research programs are diverse and interface with a wealth of basic and translational research programs that are a hallmark of UC San Diego.

Under general supervision, the incumbent will perform experiments and interpret results related to a wide range of basic and translational experiments in the lab, including sophisticated experiments related to a deeper understanding of the neuronal cytoskeleton and its role in human diseases. The position will also collaborate with the PI and other lab members in the development of CRISPR-based therapeutics for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The techniques will include a wide range of cellular and molecular tools including advanced microscopy (including TIRF and superresolution), working with human and mouse neurons, and and perform experiments that require advanced microscopic skills such as point-photoactivation/conversion. Incumbent is expected to lead and take complete charge of all intellectual and technical aspects of work, including design/execution of the research, as well as interpretation of the result, in addition to advancement of translational tools like CRISPR-based therapeutics. Expertise in routine cell/molecular assays - cell culture, PCR, cell-based assays, protein blotting, flow cytometry etc. - as well as advanced microscopy and experience with culturing human iPSC-neurons - is essential. The incumbent should also be able to perform non-standard procedures including sample preparation and optimization, quality control, and data analysis, oversee lab members' use of shared instrumentation, including troubleshooting problems and performing limited maintenance, oversee undergraduate researchers and contribution to planning and execution of experiments, and help with data processing and presentation and statistical analysis as needed. Contribution to lab administration, compliance, and maintenance is also required.

• Knowledge in biomedical or a related science generally acquired through a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferably four years of research experience.

• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques and genetics and experience in extracting DNA/RNA, PCR, and qPCR.

• Experience in protein chemistry/purification, gel electrophoresis and transfers, various gel and membrane stains, western blots, and densitometry and analysis on resulting data.

• Experience and knowledge of bio, chemical, and radiation safety techniques and practices. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines and implement measures to ensure compliance and maintain associated records.

• Experience writing scientific manuscripts for publication in scientific journals and other scholarly and research- oriented publications.

• Experience using computer software for the analysis and visualization of experimental data. Demonstrated ability to learn new software and/or computer hardware, or expand existing knowledge, to meet the needs of research.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the additional ability to communicate information effectively in person, on the telephone or via email to a diverse population of researchers and lay people.

• Sterile techniques and ability to recognize and identify contaminants and devise methods to eliminate them.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently.

• Experience to independently identify new areas of research, develop hypothesis or identify questions, formulate new models, design and carry out necessary experiments to test these models, analyze data, write-up results for publications.

• Experience and knowledge to develop new research and experimental techniques to meet research objectives.

• Experience and demonstrated ability to initiate and maintain multiple different eukaryotic cell lines including freezing, thawing, storage, and plating cells in preparation for experiments. Experience with sterile techniques, trouble shooting of contamination problems, and care of incubators and liquid nitrogen freezers.

• Experience with gel/blot imaging and microscopic imaging techniques for both fluorescence and bright field applications and with digital histology image software assisted image processing and analysis. Experience with advanced imaging equipment such as photoactivation/conversion using DMD devices, TIRF and superresolution (STED) microscopy.

• Occasional overtime may be required. Must be willing to work with laboratory mice.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.