Animal Models of Addiction Laboratory Assistant II - 141240

The 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 close supervision, the incumbent will assist the Principal Investigator (PI) with multiple research projects that examine mouse models of substance use disorders within the Department of Psychiatry. Under supervision, the researcher will ensure that the lab is in good running order, including handling lab safety, regulation issues, and administrative duties.

The incumbent will assist with and perform a limited variety of wet laboratory procedures under direction from the PI. Procedures include mouse colony management; mouse genotyping; mouse handling for behavioral assays; tissue processing for histological procedures; and operation of video-assisted, behavioral, and/or microscopy equipment.

The incumbent will also assist with basic data collection and analyses and interpretation of experimental results, collaborate with other lab members, participate in lab meetings and discussions, and assist with other project and miscellaneous tasks as required. The incumbent will be independently responsible for maintaining detailed and accurate records and communicating regularly with the supervisor regarding experiments, and will assist with other tasks as required.

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one year of laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Experience with basic and general techniques in molecular biology.

• Experience in general laboratory techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to work with minimum supervision and to work closely and collaboratively with others including the ability to follow written and oral instructions. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Proven ability to measure, weigh, and mix chemicals.

• Demonstrated experience in standard and repetitive molecular biology techniques, including tissue culture and Western blotting.

• Ability to prepare solutions at proper concentrations, operate analytical balances and perform accurate calculations.

• Knowledge of library usage to locate journals in stacks and from other sources, and ability to copy specific articles for research.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, use of protective items such as gloves and goggles. Familiarity with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

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

• Experience with mouse handling.

• Experience with video processing.

• Experience with mouse operant behavioral assays.

• Bachelor's degree.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background.

• Must be willing biohazardous materials.

• Must be flexible and work evenings and weekends as needed.

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