Stem Cell Research Technician - 139782

This position is currently funded at 50% and may be expanded to 100% if additional funding becomes available.

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with approximately 171 Faculty, 50 postdoctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs), and over 300 support staff. The department has 57 clinical residents and fellows across 18 divisions, including Academic General Pediatrics, Child Development & Community Health, Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Dysmorphology, Emergency Medicine, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Genetics, Genome Information Sciences, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Neonatology, Nephrology, Pharmacology & Drug Discovery, Rehabilitation Medicine, and Respiratory Medicine. The missions of research, education and patient care are intertwined and 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 about $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. 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‑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. Under supervision, the incumbent will assist with and perform standard laboratory procedures involving human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), including the generation of different types of brain cells, brain organoids, and assembloids, as well as other experimental procedures. The incumbent will assist the Principal Investigator (PI) and other laboratory members with ongoing research studies. Studies will include: 1) General growth, expansion, and maintenance of hiPSCs, including differentiation into neurons, microglia, astrocytes, organoids, and assembloids; 2) Genetic manipulation of stem cells using viral vector‑mediated silencing or overexpression approaches, as well as CRISPR‑based genome engineering techniques; 3) Characterization of resultant phenotypes using molecular, imaging, and multi‑electrode array (MEA) techniques; 4) Molecular biology and biochemical techniques, including RNA isolation, protein extraction, PCR, qPCR, immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, ELISA and related assays. The incumbent will be responsible for collecting, organizing, and maintaining experimental data, as well as preparing oral and written weekly progress reports. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Theoretical knowledge in cellular and molecular biology, immunology, stem cell or related field. Experience in FACS‑based and viral transduction assays. Experience in performing molecular and cellular biology techniques including PCR, DNA preparation/extraction, gel electrophoresis. Experience performing biochemistry and imaging, including confocal; ability to prepare buffers and staining solutions. Experience with general lab maintenance including cleaning, stocking supplies. Experience operating a personal computer and software applications like MS Word, Excel, PRISM, and Imaris. Ability to follow step‑based experimental protocols. Ability to maintain effective relationships with staff, students, faculty, and scientists in a multicultural laboratory. Ability to prioritize and perform efficiently. Skill and ability to keep accurate data. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines. Experience in human stem cell‑derived models including organoids and microglia and CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with UCSD policies and procedures and basic safety rules and issues.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Employment is subject to a criminal background check. Willingness to work with animals, viral vectors, and standard hazardous laboratory compounds. Willingness to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

PAY TRANSPARENCY ACT

Annual Full Pay Range: $59,905 - $71,451 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%). Hourly Equivalent: $28.69 - $34.22. Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable). #J-18808-Ljbffr UC San Diego