Lab Assistant II - 137367

The Department of Neurosciences is leading clinical-academic department within the UCSD School of Medicine and is comprised of more than 130 faculty members. The Department's mission is to create the synergies and define the ideas and programs that will allow us to transform the way our neurosciences community discovers, teaches and cares for patients. We strive to conduct cutting-edge science and research and train the next generation of neurologists and researchers by fostering education at all levels and integrating the latest scientific and medical advances into the curriculum.

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and the lab manager, the incumbent will serve as a Lab Assistant in a cutting-edge Neurosciences laboratory dedicated to modeling human brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The focus of the research is on metabolic regulation and early mild cognitive impairment (MCI) relevant to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Assist in performing specialized research using patient-derived human cell models to investigate disease mechanisms. Key responsibilities include executing advanced human neural cell reprogramming techniques to generate induced neuronal cultures that model brain aging and neurodegeneration, developing and optimizing novel culture systems employing innovative biomaterials, and applying state-of-the-art genetic research methodologies. Conduct confocal microscopy imaging, molecular biology assays, and generate and analyze metabolic datasets to elucidate cellular phenotypes associated with neuronal vulnerability cognitive decline. In addition to experimental duties, involve with limited laboratory management tasks such as inventory maintenance, sample organization, and aliquoting. Closely collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure seamless integration of experimental workflows aligned with project goals in neurodegenerative disease modeling and therapeutic discovery. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Theoretical and practical background in molecular biology combined with bachelor's degree-level coursework in biology, or related science with laboratory experience.

• Ability to follow basic research protocols and follow instructions closely.

• Ability to perform a limited variety of non-standard experimental procedures involving human cell culture and reprograming experiments, and various molecular approaches with accuracy and attention to detail. Willingness and ability to learn new techniques and tasks.

• Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and superiors, with demonstrated skill in asking questions and advising of problems, via effective use of email, public/shared Google docs, and/or meeting schedules.

• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety and ability to work carefully with potentially harmful agents.

• Strong theoretical background in application of human neural cell culture models in biomedical sciences, and strong practical experience with human neural reprogramming, confocal imaging, and molecular assays such as qPCR. Experience with data analysis and software applications such as Word, Prism, and Excel.

• Knowledge of medical and scientific terminology and familiar with those associated with cellular neurobiology.

• Ability to perform accurate record keeping and organize and calculate data. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends, if necessary.
• Must be willing to work flexible schedule in order to complete experiments as necessary.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.