Behavioral Laboratory Research Associate - Psych - 141632

The UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry ranks among the nation's leading academic psychiatry departments, recognized for its exceptional research enterprise, innovative clinical programs, and outstanding educational training. Our faculty and staff are driving meaningful advances in mental health science, delivering transformative patient care, and shaping the next generation of clinicians and researchers. We offer a collegial, high-achieving work environment where talented professionals are empowered to grow, collaborate, and contribute to work that matters.

This work will be performed in a pre-clinical research laboratory within the Department of Psychiatry, which focuses mainly on behavioral pharmacology in animals as related to Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and other psychiatric illnesses.

Under supervision, the incumbent will work as a Behavioral Laboratory Research Associate, conducting multiple types of behavioral experiments with mice and rats as well as biochemical and molecular assays on animal and human tissues within the Department of Psychiatry. The research associate will also maintain accurate records of testing and euthanize mice and rats as instructed. The research associate will be required to document and use procedures to weigh and dissolve drugs, weigh animals and administer drugs, assist the lab manager with breeding of transgenic mouse lines, perform record keeping of mouse breeding, process tissue for assays (e.g., blood, organs, or brain), perform standard laboratory assays such as ELISAs, DNA/RNA extraction and immunohistochemistry, collect and sort data using specialized software on lab computers, maintain neat and accurate records, as well as assist with training of undergraduate volunteers and visiting scholars. The research associate will conduct rodent surgeries as directed, including stereotaxic placement of cannula and implantation of cranial magnets. Finally, assisting in maintaining lab cleanliness will be required, as will assisting supervisor with tasks as required.

• Theoretical knowledge of Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology or other related field as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated experience handling rats and mice (restraining, ear-tagging, injections, etc.).

• General laboratory and behavioral lab experience.

• Experience with calculating dosages and dissolving a variety of chemicals.

• Experience with DOS, Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office software.

• Demonstrated detailed organizational and record-keeping skills.

• Proven ability to assist and perform standard laboratory assays such as but not limited to ELISAs, DNA/RNA extraction, immunohistochemistry.

• Excellent ability to communicate with all levels of laboratory personnel.

• Demonstrated experience with filing, alphabetizing, organizing and maintaining research file tasks.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

• Knowledge of stereotaxic surgery.

• Ability to administer anesthesia to rodents pre-operatively and provide post-operative care to animals.

• Working knowledge of the Animal Care Program's required husbandry practices.

• Knowledge of mouse breeding colony procedures.

• Experience with laboratory computers and specialized data collection software (LabChart, Med Associates, San Diego Instruments, Noldus).

• Experience with specialized behavioral testing equipment (Med Associates, San Diego Instruments, Coulbourn, Noldus).

• Knowledge of small animal perfusion.

• Knowledge of general laboratory safety practices and requirements.

• Experience with stereotaxic placement of cannula and implantation of cranial magnet surgeries.

• University coursework in organic/inorganic chemistry, biology, pharmacology, psychology/psychiatry, genetics, and laboratory techniques (pipetting, solution preparation, dosage calculation, etc.).

• Experience with intravenous drug administration to rodents.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to handle and euthanize rats and mice.

• Must be willing to collect and handle animal tissue.

• Must be willing to handle human specimens.

• Must be willing to work overtime, nights, and/or weekends if necessary for experimental purposes.

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