DESCRIPTION

The Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI) an organized research unit at UCSD, was established to provide education, training and infrastructure for clinical research in the San Diego area. It encompasses four hospital systems, two universities and four biomedical research organizations. It receives partial funding from a Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) from the NIH, National Center for Advancing Translational Science.

Perform complex research experiments on biomarkers of human disease, particularly chronic inflammation. Manage large immunology research laboratory. Provide clinical coordination for invasive clinical studies. Perform advanced experiments including histology, immunohistochemistry, immunoassays, and human and animal cell culture. Collect and evaluate gene expression in special clinical trial samples using advanced quantitative techniques. Manage biorepositories. Provide general lab support including preparation of buffers, maintenance of tissue culture area, and managing supplies for laboratory. Act as primary safety officer, responsible for compliance with UCSD safety regulations. Incumbent will receive, process and catalog specimens of human tissue and body fluids, as well as work with primary human and animal materials (blood components and other fluids).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced theoretical knowledge of and experience in immunology and molecular biology.

• Demonstrated experience with synovial biopsy collection and processing in the operating room.

• Proven experience monitoring and coordinating biopsy-based clinical trials.

• Experience supervising junior staff and students in general laboratory as well as clinical trial work.

• Expertise in establishing primary human and rodent cell lines, including synovial fibroblast cell lines.

• Experience with Velos eResearch and eSample clinical trial and biorepository management software, including coding Common Data Elements.

• Thorough knowledge and experience performing experiments with synovial tissue, synovial cells, and extracts of synovial tissue.

• Experience managing biohazardous materials program (human tissues and body fluids) as laboratory biosafety officer.

• Demonstrated experience with EH&S chemical safety procedures and guidelines.

• Proficient ability to operate and maintain Macintosh and PC based data management systems, including data backup and networking.

• Experience with statistical analysis and data computations, collection and presentation.

• Experience with general lab equipment and specialized immunology materials including analytical software such as: Bio-Plex manager, Quantity One, Micro-fire, Image-pro Plus, and XFluor4.

• Experience with the use and maintenance of general laboratory equipment (centrifuges: high-speed, ultra and microcentrifuge, light microscopes, balances, pH meter, incubators spectrophotometers, and electrophoresis apparatus).

• Strong skill and knowledge to maintain an organized lab and stocks of essential supplies and reagents, purchase lab supplies and new equipment, oversee equipment repairs, and ensure lab equipment is running efficiently.

• Experience establishing and maintaining primary synovial fibroblast cultures, including advanced research experiments.

• Advanced experience performing experiments with synovial tissue and extracts of synovial tissue including immunostaining.

• Proven knowledge of and experience with the National Cancer Institute Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources.

• Experience with design and implementation of procedures in the clinic and operating room for clinical trials.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• IATA shipper certification and experience managing clinical trial supplies and materials management.
• Meso Scale Discovery experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Transportation to local hospitals for sample collection required.