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.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace