Stem Cell Research Associate - 139444

The Department of Neurosciences Center for Neural Repair studies mechanisms of neural repair and regeneration in CNS injury models using a combinatorial approach of stem cell, gene therapy, rehabilitation and axonal guidance.

The successful candidate will provide significant and original independent contributions towards multidisciplinary approaches using stem cells to study spinal cord injury in the Department of Neurosciences at the UCSD School of Medicine. Under general supervision, incumbent will undertake research projects in collaboration with the Principal Investigator making significant and innovative contributions pertaining to research and experiments on development of neural stem cells. Incumbent will independently perform routine cell culture (including expansion, passaging and freeze/thaw) of various human embryonic stem cell (hESC) cultures and related functions, and will independently design and execute specialized and complex experimental procedures involving stem cell differentiation. This will require mastery of standard and non-standard cell culture techniques including differentiation of hESCs into different central nervous system regional-specific neuronal progenitor cells and neurons and characterization of neuronal phenotypes by molecular analysis, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry.

Responsibilities include maintaining detailed and accurate records, monitoring and maintaining inventory, and performing related molecular biology procedures. The incumbent will interpret, analyze, and maintain data using software and tools, read relevant literature and write manuscripts for publication. Additional duties include providing training and work direction to other lab staff on experimental techniques and use of equipment, and give project status presentations and participate in lab meetings and discussions.

• Strong theoretical knowledge and experience to participate in the development and successful execution of independent research acquired through a Bachelor's degree or higher in biology, neuroscience or related field and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree preferred.

• Experience with immunocytochemistry and histological staining techniques, and the demonstrated ability to design and development new techniques.

• Experience to run cell culture and with sterile techniques. Demonstrated ability to create standard media supplies. Experience to maintain and create primary cell lines, cell cultures and human stem cells.

• Experience to perform routine and non-routine histology, prepare staining solutions, perform Nissi labeling and histological analysis, and prepare buffers. Ability to train other lab members on these techniques.

• Experience to section biological tissue on microtome, cryostat, and vibratome.

• Demonstrated knowledge of neurotrophic factors in models of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease and neuroplaciticity.

• Demonstrated experience with lab equipment including light, fluorescent, and confocal microscopy and ability to train other lab personnel on their use. Ability to maintain and make basic repairs to lab equipment.

• Experience with research project requiring multiple occupational fields (molecular biology, cell culture, histology, animal experiments).

• Strong computer skills using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email system, and a variety of web-based programs. Demonstrated ability to perform standard computer tasks, and learn new programs/applications with minimal direction. Familiar with DNA analysis software and Photoshop.

• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills that facilitate professionalism, effectiveness, and courteousness. Ability and willingness to work independently and/or in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community and with a diverse population of staff, faculty, industry and others. Ability to effectively contribute to discussions regarding procedures and goals of unit.

• Proven ability to make innovative and independent significant contributions to research projects and protocols including development, design, and implementation into research.

• Knowledge of lab safety requirements and procedures including EH&S regulations and methods for handling, clean up, and waste disposal for biohazardous materials.

• Demonstrated ability to provide work directions to other staff researchers, students, and postdoctoral scholars on projects.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze, troubleshoot and develop protocols and adhere to regulatory procedures.

• Proven time management skills to successfully set priorities, meet established deadlines and recognize new problems with constantly changing priorities and frequent interruptions.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate data records from detailed observation of experiments, and to transcribe precise, cogent results for possible scientific journal publication.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality with all matters related to research.

• Demonstrated ability to undertake research projects and work independently with limited supervision.

• Variation of work schedule may be necessary to complete experiments/projects.
• Availability to work on weekends and holidays if needed to complete experiments/projects.
• Must be willing to work with human embryonic stem cells in an animal research related environment.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace