Research Associate - Cancer Center - 138774

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.

Under supervision, perform tasks and assays to support research on tumor inflammation. Responsibilities include animal colony management, genotyping, breeding and weaning as well in vivo animal experiments that assess the role of immune cells in cancer. Perform molecular biological, biochemical, and cell biological techniques including tumor cell culture, DNA and RNA isolation from cultured cells and from tissues, immunoblotting and quantitative RT-PCR for genes and proteins. Analyze tissues and cells using flow cytometry, immunoblotting, gene expression and cell biology assays. Perform basic sectioning of tissues, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent microscopy, ELISA assays, and SDS PAGE analyses. Maintain and prepare accurate records of all experiments. Perform cell culture and propagation of tumor cell lines. Responsible for maintaining and inventory of frozen cell stocks and routine testing for mycoplasma contamination.

This position will serve as the point of contact with UC San Diego Animal Care Program. These duties will include submission of protocols for review, organization of approved protocols along with mandated record keeping. Train new lab members on ACP rules and regulations and ensure that their training is up to date. Manage a mouse colony of approximately 100 cages, perform breeding, weaning and genotyping duties. Perform mouse tumor studies. Act as the Area Safety Coordinator for assigned laboratory space. Responsible for EH&S compliance of the laboratory and the required training of lab personnel. Prepare biosafety protocols for submission to EH&S committees for review.

Responsibilities also include: preparing media and reagents, maintaining laboratory organization and laboratory supplies, purchasing laboratory supplies, and other critical functions as needed for the laboratory to run smoothly. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge of cell biology and molecular biology and/or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other related areas, and/or equivalent education and experience.

• Experience working with mice for procedures, including anesthesia and tumor cell administration. Experience preparing reagents and cells for animal studies, working with animal models of tumors, and performing tumor harvesting. Experience managing a mouse colony, weaning, and genotyping, maintaining accurate colony records, and conforming with all local and national IACUC regulations.

• Experience performing routine cell culture techniques, such as pipetting culture media onto growing human cells in culture plates and pipetting trypsin solution onto cell layers. Experience following basic research protocols and instructions closely.

• Experience with extracting DNA and RNA from specimens. Experience performing PCR and qPCR reactions.

• Experience with preparing chemical solutions, including performing gel electrophoresis by mixing gel solutions and pouring into gel molds. Ability to perform standard mathematic computations (calculate molarity) accurately.

• Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and equipment, such as sterile techniques, preparation of buffers, centrifuges, balance pH meters and electrophoresis equipment.

• Experience in performing experimental protocols and in recommending modifications to procedures and protocols.

• Experience working with animal care protocols and laboratory safety coordination and compliance training. Ability to integrate information obtained from scientific journals for use in the laboratory and disseminate to other lab members.

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

• Demonstrated ability in data management, analysis, interpretation, and description of scientific data in a publication format.

• Ability to accurately record experimental details and results.

• Organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.

• Experience and skill in using computers for basic word processing and data entry as well as PubMed and database searching and basic database analysis (e.g. BLAST).

• Computer skills and experience working with Word, Excel, and other commonly used programs.

• Strong communication skills (both verbally and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively with a diverse population at all levels of organization in person, over the phone or in writing. Ability to use diplomacy, tact, and discretion in all interactions.

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

• Ability to work independently and cooperatively.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing and able to work with small animals.