Lab Assistant - 137848

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with approximately 171 Faculty, 50 post-doctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) along with over 300 support staff (not including hospital staff). In addition, the Department has 57 clinical residents and fellows distributed across the Divisions. The missions of research, education and patient care are intertwined, and are integral to the goals of the department.

The Department has undergone significant growth in recent years with a consolidated budget of approximately $106 million including sponsored projects expenditures of approximately $54 million and clinical revenue of over $ 52 million. This expansion of the Department's research and clinical portfolio is expected to continue in the next few years.

The Department's 16 divisions include Academic General Pediatrics, Child Development & Community Health; Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology; Cardiology; Dysmorphology; Emergency Medicine; Endocrinology; Gastroenterology; Genetics; Genome Information Sciences; Hospital Medicine; Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics; Infectious Diseases; Neonatology; Nephrology; and Respiratory Medicine.

In 2001, physicians and leadership of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady Children's, and Children's Specialists of San Diego (CSSD) unified pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs, creating a university-affiliated children's health system to serve the region. Over the past two decades, an extensive list of joint programs has developed, with many physicians and researchers playing a role at both institutions.

This affiliation has consolidated the clinical, teaching, research and public service programs of the UCSD School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics with San Diego's only health care system dedicated to the health and well-being of children. In 2009, this partnership was furthered by the creation of Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego, a Medical Foundation, and is now recognized as having global leaders in research, technology, translational medicine, education and clinical excellence.

The Division of Host-Microbe Systems & Therapeutics brings together a diverse group of scientists and physicians for interdisciplinary research on the interactions of humans and the microbial world in both health and disease. Fundamental principles of microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, -OMICs (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and the human microbiome) and state-of-the-art systems biology are focused on the pathogenesis of common childhood infectious diseases and inflammatory disorders, to inspire innovative discovery programs and translational studies of new drugs and interventions to restore optimal health in childhood and throughout life.

This Lab Assistant position will work in an established laboratory investigating host-pathogen interactions. The research is focused on identifying mechanisms of gut pathogen virulence, with strong interests in immunology and microbiology. Under supervision, the Lab Assistant will assist in performing research exploring virulence of pathogenic bacteria and analysis of the immune response in vitro and in vivo, including models of colitis. This work involves standard immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and mouse models of disease. In addition, the position includes routine laboratory maintenance and support, such as assisting with general laboratory maintenance, preparation of general laboratory stocks and supplies, and overseeing animal colonies.

• Theoretical knowledge in microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology techniques and/or relevant lab experience.

• Knowledge of or experience with sterile/aseptic technique.

• Knowledge of or experience in gel electrophoresis and transfers, various gel and membrane stains, western blots, analysis of resulting data.

• Demonstrated ability to follow written and verbal protocols, techniques, and instructions. Demonstrated organizational and troubleshooting skills, cooperative, enthusiastic and team-oriented, attention to detail and thoroughness in record keeping, ability to take initiative in maintaining and improving lab operations.

• Ability to use basic laboratory equipment including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, electrophoresis equipment, fume hoods, and biosafety cabinets.

• Knowledge of bio and chemical safety techniques and practices. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines and implement measures to ensure compliance and maintain associated records.

• Willingness to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software applications, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access), Photoshop, Acrobat.

• Ability to perform basic PCR, ELISA and cloning techniques.

• Experience making independent decisions, analyzing situations, problem solving, and initiating action for laboratory maintenance. Ability to work independently.

• 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. 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.

• Experience with mouse handling, surgeries, anesthesia, injections, euthanasia, and tissue harvest.

• Knowledge of or experience with mouse genotyping.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekend days, as required.

• Must be willing to work with animals.

• Must be willing to work with animals/human tissues.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.