Staff Research Associate - 128486

The UCSD Department of Pharmacology is one of two basic science units in the School of Medicine where world-class researchers investigate the molecular basis of human diseases. The faculty are internationally renowned for their strength in elucidating basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of signal transduction that lead to innovative drug target identification and ultimately to drug discovery. 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. More than one hundred trainees at the graduate student and postdoctoral level, as well as a staff of more than 50 research technicians and department administrators, interact closely with the faculty. The diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and talents creates a robust work environment with challenging career opportunities and a commitment to continued growth potential. We constantly seek to recruit highly motivated, technologically-advanced and interested individuals to become a part of our dynamic exploratory research and educational environment.

The SRA 1 will work in the Idoyaga Lab, whose primary focus is to understand the functional specialization of innate immune cells (dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages) in health and disease, and to design novel therapeutic strategies that harness the power of these cells in establishing immune responses. The Idoyaga lab uses different mouse models to evaluate the mechanisms that these innate cells are using to initiate and modulate immune responses. In particular, the SRA1 will assist with characterizing a novel population of dendritic cells found in mice and humans, and the role of this population during viral immune responses. The SRA1 will also assist with the development of therapeutics against cancer and the analysis of immune responses following standard-of-cancer care treatments. Under close supervision and training, the SRA1 will perform a variety of standard experimental research techniques related to mouse immunology including digestion of tissues, operation of a cell sorter and flow cytometer, and operation of a fluorescent microscope. The SRA1 will also be involved in laboratory maintenance activities including assisting with inventory, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, autoclaving, training junior investigators, and ensuring that EH&S regulations are met. Finally, the SRA1 will be expected to participate in laboratory activities including group meetings, manuscript discussions, and seminars.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge in biology, chemistry, and/or biochemistry, typically attained with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Knowledge and experience with basic laboratory procedures and equipment, including sterile techniques, and preparation of buffers or cell culture.

• Knowledge of immunology and other demonstrated equivalent experience.

• Experience in preparing chemical solutions.

• Theoretical knowledge of or experience with biological and immunological techniques such as cell culture, in vitro experimentation and immunodetection techniques such as ELISA.

• Theoretical knowledge of or experience with flow cytometry.

• Theoretical knowledge of or experience working with small laboratory animals (mice).

• Theoretical knowledge of or experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, electrophoresis, etc.

• Theoretical knowledge of or experience with mammalian cellular biology techniques and mammalian cell culture.

• General knowledge of solubility, general laboratory techniques, and scientific calculations sufficient to prepare and maintain complex chemical stocks such as dilutions, buffers, reagents, and solutions.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate in person, on the phone, and in writing to a diverse population including persons from foreign countries, the business community, academicians, students, and staff with a high degree ofdiplomacy, mature judgment, tact, and flexibility.

• Experience using computerized office software such as Internet Explorer, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Reader, Illustrator, and Acrobat. Experience using computerized analysis software, statistics programs, gel documentation/analysis programs, and provide assistance as needed.

• Ability to learn and understand UCSD policies, and to provide work direction to part-time student workers.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS