DESCRIPTION

The UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) is one of two basic science units in the School of Medicine where world-class researchers study fundamental cellular processes and pathways using a variety of techniques from classical genetics and fluorescence microscopy to high-throughput genomics, systems biology, and crystallography. Our 36 faculty and over 200 postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and research staff work on the cutting edge of biology, cutting across fields from basic biochemistry and genetics to genomics, systems biology and stem cell biology. The faculty also play a major role in medical and graduate student training, providing educational and programmatic offerings that span several disciplines and provide diversity to meet the interests of a broad spectrum of students and scholars. We constantly seek to recruit highly motivated, technologically-advanced, and deeply interested individuals who are ready to become a part of our dynamic research and educational environment.

Under close supervision, the incumbent will take part in planning and executing various basic laboratory activities to study gene regulation in the mammalian system that requires a combination of knowledge and skills in multiple scientific disciplines related to next generation sequencing technologies, genomics, molecular biology, cellular biology, and biochemistry. Duties will include assisting and learning to plan and perform experiments such as ChIP-seq in cell lines and various tissues to contribute to the overall success of the project, conducting various cell culture as needed to generate materials for sequencing, laboratory maintenance, learning to summarize and prepare technical presentations for updating supervisor and collaborators as appropriate. In addition, the Research Associate will be trained to maintain and prepare accurate records of all experiments. They will assist in the preparation of data and experimental description for publication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge in scientific disciplines related to next generation sequencing technologies, genomics, molecular biology, cellular biology, and biochemistry.

• Ability or experience performing molecular biology techniques such as RNA or DNA FISH, IF staining, PCR and quantitative PCR.

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as MS Word and Excel.

• Ability to read, comprehend, and discuss research materials.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships in a diverse laboratory environment.

• Ability to communicate effectively with collaborators, research staff, and function as a member of a research team. Ability to maintain effective working relationships in a diverse laboratory environment.

• Skill or ability to perform molecular cloning and mammalian cell culture.

• Skill or experience with lentivirus and/or AAV preparation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Hands-on experience with assays such as RNA-seq.
• Experience in a UNIX command environment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Willingness to work with animals, adenovirus, lentivirus, radioactive material, human genomic tissue, and standard hazardous laboratory compounds.
• Willing to work evenings and weekends when necessary.