Heart Rhythm Research at UCSF: Junior Specialist

Heart Rhythm Research at UCSF: Junior Specialist

The incumbent will be involved in performing laboratory experiments and physiological analysis for a basic research program led by Dr. Vasanth Vedantham, a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist and basic researcher in the Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Francisco. The research will be focused on molecular biology and physiology of the heart under normal conditions, under physiological stress, and in pathological conditions in mouse models with special attention to heart rhythm.

BRIEF JOB OVERVIEW: Under the general direction of Dr. Vasanth Vedantham, the incumbent will perform scientific research experiments related to various research projects for the supervisor's research program. These include both in vitro and in vivo experiments relating to heart rhythm. The individual's responsibilities will include independently performing laboratory research experiments, performing mouse surgeries to implant transmitters, managing a mouse colony, imaging using confocal and light sheet microscopy, preparation of libraries for single cell sequencing technologies, and general lab maintenance. Although the candidate will have their own dedicated research project, they will also assist other lab members in lab maintenance duties including PCR genotyping, mouse colony maintenance, and assisting the principal investigator and lab manager in all laboratory matters when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS: The individual should hold a bachelor's degree and have at least 1 year of experience (part-time acceptable) in the following areas: cardiovascular research, mouse handling and euthanasia, mouse surgery, EKG analysis in mouse models, and basic molecular biology.

SPECIFIC JOB DESCRIPTION:

Performing laboratory experiments (40%)

The individual will work very closely with the principal investigator and the lab manager to perform and to ensure completion of research experiments related to the research projects of the laboratory. The individual will set up and perform novel experiments and molecular-cellular techniques necessary for research projects of the lab such as molecular cloning, DNA/RNA isolation, mouse heart dissection, mouse cardiomyocyte isolation, mouse surgery to implant transmitters, tissue processing and handling of biological specimen for histological studies including: fixation (small and large tissue, and cultured cells), embedding (paraffin, plastic and frozen), sectioning (paraffin, plastic and frozen), and histological staining with antibodies. The individual must perform microscopy (conventional immunofluorescence, confocal, and light sheet) of fixed cells, tissue sections, mouse embryos, and mouse hearts. The individual will perform basic molecular and biochemical assays for RNA/DNA detection using PCR, RT-PCR and Western Blotting, isolation of RNA/DNA, and protein from cells and animal tissue, ELISA, and cloning. The individual may also perform cell culture experiments involving transfection and analysis of reporter gene activity and promoter activity in cells.

Physiological and Imaging Data Analysis, and Writing (40%)

A major part of the lab's effort involves analysis of physiological data sets obtained with implantable transmitters and other types of physiological studies in mice. Specific types of analysis might include defining electrocardiographic intervals, identification of arrhythmias from EKG data, higher-order analysis including heart rate variability and power spectra. In addition, 3D reconstruction and quantification of microscopy images including those from whole mount light sheet microscopy as well as confocal microscopy of tissue sections will be required. The incumbent will also be responsible for preparing figures and manuscripts for publication or presentation at meetings.

Lab management (20%)

1. The individual will assist the Supervisor and Lab Manager as needed to ensure, in a timely manner and in compliance with all UCSF and regulatory agency policies and rules, the: completion of all personnel training and certifications; coordination of various lab inspections (e.g. OS&H, IACUC); and renewals, modifications and new applications of IACUC/OS&H protocols. The incumbent will ensure that chemical, controlled, and expired substances inventory is performed as required.
   
   
2. Performing lab maintenance tasks along with others in the lab at the direction of the lab manager. Examples might be having primary responsibility for maintaining a particular instrument or keeping a particular area of the lab clean, well stocked with consumable supplies, and in order.
3. Assisting other lab members with PCR genotyping of mouse and zebrafish.
4. Maintaining a mouse colony and assisting others as needed.

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05549. Applicants' materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100-$56,600.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

* "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

* UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH

* UC Anti-Discrimination Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

* APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf