UC San Diego Looking for Lab Assistant 2 – 120911 at Oakland, CA  Full Time

For the safety and well-being of the entire university community, the University of California requires, with few exceptions, that all students, faculty and staff be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and influenza before they will be allowed on campus or in a facility or office. For more information visit: /

DESCRIPTION

Under supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), manage the satellite mouse facility. Work with Animal Care Program to coordinate mouse deliveries, housing and daily care. Manage mouse breeding colonies, including genotyping and mating. Manage AALAS compliance, personnel training, lab safety, lab equipment and supplies. Maintain laboratory infrastructure and supplies for the lab. Attend lab meetings.

Under supervision by the PI and other senior lab personnel, assist with conducting experimental procedures that include: performing surgeries on mice to prepare them for behavioral and imaging experiments, utilizing immunostaining and microscopy for histological experiments, and conducting behavioral experiments with head-fixed mice. Collect and organize data for record-keeping and publication. Apply conventional experimental methods, combining neuroanatomical, histological and behavioral approaches, and assist in experiments that aim to identify neural activity underlying behavior and learning. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or a GED and one year of laboratory experience OR two years of college including courses in the biological sciences; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Relevant experience working with mice in laboratory setting. Must be proficient in handling them. Experience in behavioral studies with rodents preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in managing mouse colonies, including genotyping, crossing and creating and maintaining accurate breeding records.

• Demonstrated knowledge of animal protocols and experience with animal care procedures, husbandry, anesthesia/analgesia requirements, postoperative care, euthanasia, experimental use records and carcass disposal of UCSD or another accredited institute.

• Practical experience in small rodent surgery including anesthesiology procedures and chemical injections. Excellent experience and ability to perform brain surgeries, including precise and stereotaxic injections of dyes and viruses, and use of different brain atlases for precise injections of tracer compounds. Good hand/eye coordination and surgical skills and knowledge for fine dissection.

• Demonstrated skills in histology, including perfusion, brain sectioning, immunostaining, routine neurophysiology staining (e.g. Nissl and myelin), counterstaining including Giemsa and toluidine blue, labeling enhancement (gold, silver, nickel) and imaging (both epi and confocal).

• Demonstrated experience in stoichiometry and chemistry for preparation of histological reagents, immunocytochemistry, and laboratory stock solutions. Knowledge of necessary care and precautions for use and storage of antisera, reagents, and for handling of hazardous and carcinogenic chemicals.

• Demonstrated experience in applying and adapting protocols for histological immunohistochemistry, including: use of peroxidase and avidinbiotin complexes and fluorochrome-conjugated antisera for single and multiple labeling.

• Ability to train all lab members on proper methods for storage, handling and disposal of chemicals, biochemicals, hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials including viral and bacterial preparations and radioisotopes.

• Knowledge/understanding and at least some experience with Safety Data Sheets, hazard communication and Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Familiarity with a Chemical Hygiene Plan addressing safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, use of protective items. Willingness and ability to keep safety training current and consistent with research involvement.

• Solid computer skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email etc. with the ability to independently learn new programs.

• Excellent English verbal and written communications skills, to articulate information on one’s position, plan of action, evaluation or interpretation in a professional, logical, clear, effective, concise, and courteous manner. Skill at negotiating with various personalities and developing an internal and external network of contacts.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability and experience to work in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, faculty and students. Participate and contribute to discussions regarding procedures and goals of department.

• Familiar with federal guidelines for Good Laboratory Practices for humane use of animals. AAALAC or AALAS certifications desirable. Knowledge of research animal care protocols and procedures as defined by AAALAC and AALAS, and governmental agencies, and sensitivity to the humane care of animals in research.

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends as required to keep steady workflow and meet deadlines.

• Must be able to work with rodents as animal subjects, and to work with bio-hazardous materials.

• Must have good hand/eye coordination for animal surgery duties, etc.

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:

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