Neurobiology Research Specialist - 138439

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Neurobiology Research Specialist will independently design, execute, and analyze advanced neurobiology and molecular biology experiments to investigate mechanisms of neurodegeneration, substance use disorder (SUD), neuroinflammation, and brain barrier functions. The incumbent will make significant intellectual and technical contributions to studies using postmortem human brain tissue and in vitro 2D/3D model systems, including brain organoids.

The Neurobiology Research Specialist requires extensive expertise in single-nucleus and single-cell genomic assays, epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling, immunological methods, and neurovascular biology. The incumbent will standardize and optimize gene expression and chromatin accessibility assays on neurovascular tissues, develop enrichment strategies for specific brain cell populations, and contribute to the establishment of novel experimental models relevant to neurodegeneration and SUD.

The incumbent will perform experimental analyses, interpret computational and sequencing data in collaboration with bioinformatics partners, validate key findings using orthogonal molecular and histological techniques, and contribute to manuscript preparation and grant-related activities. This role is critical to advancing an integrated understanding of transcriptional regulatory networks and immune-related mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and substance use disorders.

• Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of neurobiology, molecular biology, immunology, neurodegenerative diseases, or a related biomedical field.

• Demonstrated expertise in single-cell or single-nucleus sequencing technologies, including RNA-seq and ATAC-seq.

• Strong experience with tissue processing, nuclei isolation, and nuclei acid and protein extraction from brain tissue.

• Strong laboratory experience for staining (RNA-scope/FISH, immunohistochemistry [IHC], and immunofluorescence assays). Ability to make significant innovative contributions towards research goals.

• Proven proficiency in molecular and biochemical techniques, including qPCR, SDS-PAGE, western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence-based assays.

• Experience with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and enrichment of specific brain populations.

• Experience working with in vitro cell culture systems, including 2D and 3D models. Stem cell or organoid experience preferred.

• Proven ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental protocols independently.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing scientific reports, manuscripts, and presentations.

• Strong analytic skills with the ability to interpret complex experimental and multiomic data.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with a proven ability to maintain accurate experimental records.

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in neurobiology, molecular biology, or a related biomedical field.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Weekend assessments may be required (although are expected to be rare).

• Must be able to work overtime or weekends as needed.