Animal/Laboratory Staff Research Associate - 134552

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under supervision, the Staff Research Associate will be performing molecular biology procedures and laboratory animal work within the Department of Psychiatry, while working under the general direction of the faculty member. The incumbent will perform and assist in DNA/RNA isolation and NGS library preparation procedures and maintain animal colony operations while ensuring compliance with laboratory protocols. Duties include maintaining a colony of rats and performing molecular biology work for genotyping (isolating DNA from tissue samples and preparing it for NGS applications) according to the laboratory protocols. Colony management duties include updating and maintaining IACUC protocol and working with vivarium staff; establishing breeding timelines to accommodate research needs, keeping a detailed record in the database, working with bioinformatic team on data transfer; coordinating with animal transferring with collaborators and prepare paperwork for shipment. The Staff Research Associate will assist in performing dissection and collect tissue samples, perform and optimize genotyping assay from rodent tissue samples. The incumbent will support with identifying problems and help troubleshooting and be responsible for keeping laboratory equipment clean and in working order. Keep excellent records about the sample processing according to established procedures. Coordinate sample flow information with the data team. Assist in maintaining inventory and stock of lab consumables, and in keeping records for expenses according to UCSD protocols. Assist with other tasks as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge in Biology or Molecular Biology or related field or equivalent knowledge and experience to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

• General laboratory experience.

• Experience in handling molecular biology equipment - multichannel pipetters, epMotion robot, tape station etc.

• Experience in molecular biology laboratory technique, including DNA isolation and preparation of sequencing libraries.

• Ability to recognize, report and troubleshoot technical problems.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Proficiency in laboratory animal handling and procedures.

• Demonstrated experience in maintaining rodent breeding colony.

• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain detailed breeding records (including genetics and lineage of all animals) based on instructions from the supervisor and the lab manager.

• Extreme attention to details, high standards for accuracy and documentation. Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills.

• Must have the ability to work under own initiative as well as to work meticulously under close direction.

• Excellent time management and communication skills.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a laboratory setting and coordinate with multiple teams.

• Proficiency in rodent dissection, tissue sampling, and DNA/RNA extraction, with a solid understanding of rodent anatomy and handling procedures.

• Knowledge of NGS library preparation protocols and laboratory safety protocols.

• Familiarity with quality control procedures

• Experience to conduct basic data analysis and proven record-keeping abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

• Academic courses in relevant subjects, such as genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry.

• Experience with automation and high-throughput procedures.

• Familiarity with the IACUC system, including submitting transfer requests, updating protocols, and ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.

• Knowledge of bioinformatics and data management.

• Experience in rodent tissue sampling.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be able to work in the lab with DNA tissue samples.

• Must be willing to handle laboratory animals.

• Must be able to work overtime, weekends, and evenings if needed.