Research Associate - 133208

The Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD: encompassing 28 departments, 6 schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Biological Sciences & the School of Physical Sciences), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI). These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future-oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy of career-path development for its employees including opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerated discovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

Oversee and perform tumor biology and immunology studies consisting of murine models of cancer, flow cytometry, single cell sequencing, in vitro cell biology, and in vitro biochemistry. Murine tumor biology studies will include xenograft tumor growth and metastasis assays, immunological analysis, treatment of animals with experimental therapeutic agents by gavage, intravenous and intraperitoneal methods and immune cell isolations. Conduct various in vitro cell biology techniques to include performing flow cytometry analysis of cell surface protein expression, cell adhesion and migration assays, transfecting cells with expression constructs, preparing lysates of cells in culture or tissues, quantification, ELISA assays, viability assays, SDS PAGE, Western Immunoblotting and gel electrophoresis. Additionally, perform recombinant DNA techniques to include preparing plasmids and maintaining plasmid stocks, analyzing DNA and RNA purification, and conducting DNA electrophoresis, and RT-PCR. Make innovative contributions regarding experimental design and methodology, using published scientific data in referred journals, as well as online using search engines and subject-specific websites, to make recommended changes to current protocols and practices. Troubleshoot problems for quality control on all procedures. Maintain and prepare accurate records of all experiments. Assist in the preparation of data for publication. Assume responsibility for lab maintenance and safety training. Provide training and work direction in areas of expertise as needed. Maintain and prepare accurate records of all experiments. Assist in the preparation of data for publication. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Advanced theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology and cell biology or a Bachelor's of Science degree in an appropriate field of science or equivalent in education and experience.

• Experience independently isolating bone marrow and blood cells for analysis by flow cytometry, immunoblotting, gene expression and cell adhesion assays.

• Experience independently performing and directing in vivo experiments including the injection of growth factors, tumor cells and therapeutics, bleeding and tissue harvesting of mice and in performing minor surgery.

• Experience independently performing and directing protein analysis techniques including protein determination, ELISA and Magpix assays and protein separation techniques.

• Experience independently working with endothelial, myeloid and tumor cell culture, DNA and RNA isolation from culture cells and from tissues, immunoblotting and quantitative RT-PCR for genes and proteins that regulate myeloid cell adhesion, migration and gene and protein expression in vitro and in vivo.

• Experience independently developing improvements to tissue culture techniques, including sterile technique, cell adhesion and migration assays.

• Experience performing independently performing and directing molecular biological techniques, including DNA purification, genotyping and cloning.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Experience and interest in developing novel techniques and analytical methods.

• Ability to develop new experimental procedures with accuracy and efficiency and to teach others to perform them with accuracy.

• Ability to use basic and advanced laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances pH meters, electrophoresis, single cell sequencing, magnetic and light based plate readers and flow cytometers equipment.

• Ability to write and follow step wise experimental protocols.

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as to effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend, and discuss research materials.

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

• Experience with personal computers, including word processing and spreadsheets. Ability to use Quartzy and Oracle to place and reconcile orders and receipts.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Experience managing laboratory, including directing student employees and volunteers, ordering and maintaining inventory, organizing and maintaining freezers, cold room, and equipment.

• Knowledge to manage official travel and entertainment documentation and file reimbursements requests.

• Experience and interest in independently interacting with other laboratories to collaborate and adopt new methods and skills and to institute such practices throughout the lab.

• Demonstrated knowledge in making innovative contributions to experimental design and methodology by reviewing.

• Interest and ability to teach students, postdocs and new personnel methods and skills.

• Demonstrated ability use and adapt existing techniques and technologies in novel and non-traditional ways in order to meet research objectives.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to work frequently with animals and to work occasional nights and weekends.

• Proven ability to work with animals and willingness to work with biohazardous materials.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

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