UCSD Health Sciences is a $1 billion dollar plus organization encompassing 16 academic departments (14 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 2 pre academic/hospital departments, 2 professional schools (School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), 2 hospitals, and various other programs and units all dedicated towards fulfilling the Health Sciences missions.

The Department of Pathology plays a key role in the University's three missions. It aims to achieve the highest standards in patient care, research and education. The Department provides diagnostic pathology services in a wide variety of subspecialties with highly trained subspecialists who are recognized for their expertise. The Department's research programs are diverse and interface with a wealth of basic and translational research programs that are a hallmark of UC San Diego.

Under the broad supervision of the PI, the staff research associate will design and perform experiments to address scientific questions related to breast cancer biology including tumor-host crosstalk. They will perform research activities in the fields of cell and molecular biology such as in vitro cell culture work (including culture of human breast cancer cells), isolation of primary cells from human tissues, molecular cloning, protein quantification, western-blot, DNA/RNA extraction, and Q-PCR, amongst other. They will also prepare media, buffers, and solutions as needed. Data processing and statistical analysis as needed required.

The Research Associate will also manage our biohazard use authorization and serve as our area safety coordinator, provide routine laboratory equipment maintenance, order and maintain lab supplies and equipment, and oversee undergraduate part-time lab aides.

The SRA will work in the stimulating environments of the UC San Diego Department of Pathology. They will participate in large group meetings as well as project-oriented meetings where they will be required to present their own data as well as published work under a journal club format in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.

• Theoretical knowledge of molecular, cellular, biological and genetics concepts typically acquired through Bachelor degree in biology or related field, and/or relevant lab experience.

• Demonstrated experience in sterile technique, cell, and tissue culture work.

• Ability and willingness to handle and work with human tissues and other biohazardous, toxic, and carcinogenic materials and to recognize safety problems. Knowledge of radiation safety and biosafety techniques and practices. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines and implement measures to ensure compliance and maintain associated records.

• Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills over a wide range of situations and individuals needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment in person, on the phone, and in writing to a diverse population; including persons from foreign countries, the business community, academicians, students and staff with a high degree of diplomacy, mature judgment, tact, and flexibility.

• Demonstrated experience with the operation of a personal computer and software applications, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access), Photoshop, Acrobat. Some basic knowledge of program language R or Python preferred but not essential.

• Knowledge of proper formats, grammar, and spelling in English and proofreading ability sufficient to compose, edit, and publish professional correspondence as well as effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend, discuss, and present research materials.

• Demonstrated skills in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, autoclaves and electrophoresis equipment.

• Demonstrated organizational skills to order and maintain lab reagents and supplies and keep accurate lab records and computer files.

• Willingness to learn new theory, techniques, protocols and tasks.

• Demonstrated experience with DNA, RNA and protein assays.

• Demonstrated experience making decisions, analyzing situations, problem solving, and initiating action for laboratory maintenance.

• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments to address specific scientific questions with appropriate controls and variables.

• Experience with UCSD ordering, EH&S, and facilities policies and business systems

• Demonstrated skill to work with animal and human tissues; tissue trimming and histology analysis, and knowledge in necropsy.

• Demonstrated skill to work with animal and human tissues; tissue trimming and histology analysis, and knowledge in necropsy.

• Must be willing to work with animal/human tissues and mouse models.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

• Occasional travel to campus (about 2 miles away from lab)

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.