Behavioral Laboratory Assistant II - 122488

Extended Review Date: Mon 7/24/2023

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DESCRIPTION

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 supervision, the incumbent will work as a Laboratory Assistant, assisting with viral, fiber photometry, and behavioral experiments with mice within a lab that focuses on mouse models of anxiety and depression related behaviors, and the mechanism of action of antidepressants within the Department of Psychiatry. Will also maintain accurate records of testing as instructed, and help with documenting and using procedures to weigh and dissolve drugs, weigh animals, and assist with collecting and sorting data. Maintain neat and accurate records. Assist with postdoctoral scholar paperwork, and keep journals and publications up to date. Will assist in maintaining lab cleanliness as a required task, as well as assisting supervisor with tasks as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or a GED and two (2) years of laboratory experience or two (2) years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one (1) year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Experience handling mice (restraining, eartagging, injections, etc.)

• Experience performing behavioral and fiber photometry studies with rodents.

• Experience with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office software.

• Proven ability to order and receive supplies from scientific suppliers (Sigma, Fisher etc.)

• Demonstrated detailed organizational and record-keeping skills.

• Excellent ability to communicate with all levels of laboratory personnel.

• Experience with laboratory computers and specialized data collection software (Med Associates, San Diego Instruments, Noldus).

• Experience with using cryostat.

• Experience with specialized behavioral testing equipment (Med Associates, San Diego Instruments, Coulbourn, Omnivision open field and light/dark test).

• Experience with infusing viruses into mouse brain

• Experience to perform PCR on tail samples taken from mice.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• University coursework in organic/inorganic chemistry and laboratory techniques (pipetting, solution preparation, dosage calculation, etc.)
• Knowledge of calculating dosages and dissolving a variety of chemicals, including drug weighing and dilution.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing to handle and euthanize mice.
• Must be willing to work overtime, nights, and/or weekends if necessary for experimental purposes.

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

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!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

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UC San Diego Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:

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