Cancer Research Assistant - RMAS - 141073

The Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (RMAS) has a strong commitment to research in a wide variety of disciplines including health outcomes and equity, health services, basic science, radiobiology, imaging, technology development and implementation, clinical trials, education, and systems engineering and design. RMAS researchers are funded by multiple societies and organizations including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Department of Defense (DOD), American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Under supervision, design experiments, make observations, and record experimental data related to research projects. Use basic cellular and molecular biological techniques, perform tissue and sterile cell culture, immunologic assays, ELISA and development of plasmid and viral based gene transfer vectors. Works with animal studies including breeding, injections, tumor models, and maintaining and screening transgenic mouse colony. Assist and perform irradiation of cells and tissues in the radiation core facility. Perform fluorescent imaging, necropsy, tissue processing, flow cytometry, cell sorting and histology. Perform basic laboratory activities including ordering reagents and equipment, financial tracking, and researching journal articles to find appropriate protocols and regulations for experiments. Maintain laboratory environmental health and safety activities, including radioactive waste, chemical waste and biological waste disposal.

• Theoretical knowledge in molecular biology and biochemistry or a related field as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with all aspects of tissue culture including freezing, thawing, counting cells and splitting cultures.

• Demonstrated skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as microscopes and centrifuges.

• Experience in the operation and maintenance of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) machines such as FACSCalibur, LSRII, BD Aria, Agilent NovoCyte.

• Experience in caring for and handling small lab animals (mice and rats) and in administering medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals. Experience in euthanizing small laboratory animals. Familiarity with the writing of Animal Subjects protocols and with the surgical procedures. Willingness and ability to work with rodents and/or other lab animals and/or infected samples.

• Experience with standard repetitive techniques that may be required in research protocols related to a specific lab. Demonstrated ability to read, interpret and apply protocols in conducting research. Demonstrated ability in following step wise experimental protocols. Skill to troubleshoot adaptations of experimental protocols.

• Demonstrated experience working with murine tissues; tissue processing, histology analysis, and knowledge in necropsy.

• Demonstrated experience reading and using Material Safety Data Sheets. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.

• Demonstrated experience working in and maintaining a sterile environment.

• Demonstrated skill in accurate record keeping and ability to organize, analyze, and calculate data. Knowledge in basic math for maintaining ledgers, income and expenditure reports.

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as Microsoft Word and Excel. Knowledge to work with and learn new software for analysis.

• Manual dexterity and legible handwriting. Ability to assist with general lab maintenance, including cleaning and restocking supplies and managing a regular schedule in the lab.

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.

• Good organizational and time management skills.

• Knowledge sufficient to coordinate studies with other departments and the lab. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.

• Demonstrated ability to assist in the writing of papers for publication, research proposals.

• Knowledge of UCSD Environmental Health and Safety requirements including the ability to write with correct syntax and grammar and to clearly communicate ideas and protocols in writing to EH&S.

• Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Ability to train students on same.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

• Must be willing and able to work in BioSafety Level II environment.

• Must be willing and able to work with small animals and biohazardous materials.