DESCRIPTION

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with approximately 250 Faculty, 127 postdoctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) along with over 320 support staff (not including hospital staff). In addition, the Department has 68 clinical residents distributed across the Divisions. The missions of research, education and patient care are intertwined, and are integral to the goals of the department.

The Department manages a university-affiliated children's health system with the physicians and leadership of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady Children's Hospital, and Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego, a Medical Practice Foundation, unifying pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs.

Under the supervision of academic supervisor, the incumbent will assist with and participate in all aspects of the research laboratory. The position has dual functions in scientific research and some laboratory management in an immunogenetics laboratory. The position requires a willingness to learn mammalian primary cell culture, in vivo and ex vivo mouse work, and molecular assays including ELISA, RT PCR, immunoblots, immunohistochemistry. The candidate is expected to perform data analysis, including statistical analysis using computerized methods under supervision. The position also includes scientific presentations, database andinventory management, and ordering of supplies as part of routine lab participation. It is expected that the incumbent will interact with collaborators and representatives and assist undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of basic human genetics and molecular biology.

• Knowledge of or experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, transfection.

• Demonstrated ability to follow university Environmental Health and Safety requirements. Experienced in working and maintaining a sterile environment.

• Knowledge of or experience with mice handling, breeding, management, procedures.

• Ability to use centrifuge.

• Knowledge of or experience with micropipetting and dilutions, weighing agarose, gel loading, photography.

• Knowledge of or experience with cell culture maintenance, sterile procedure.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Computers skills using a Macintosh.
• Demonstrated experience with database management of clones/samples, including data entry, manipulation and creation of data reports.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekend days, as required.
• Must be willing to travel intermittently to collaborating laboratories to learn new techniques that further the research mission of the lab.
• Must be willing and able to work with biohazardous materials, human samples, and mice.