Lab Coordinator - 136673

The Department of Psychology (http://psychology.ucsd.edu) consistently ranks among the top experimental psychology programs in the country. Psychology faculty conduct research within four broad areas: Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology. The department has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary research at UC San Diego, and many faculty maintain collaborative relationships with campus units including Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, UC San Diego's Medical School, Rady School of Management, and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Our forward-looking perspective and rich collaborative environment offers a unique opportunity for cutting-edge research that is changing the face of modern psychology.

Under supervision from the Principal Investigator, the Laboratory Assistant will assist with experiments aimed at understanding how retinal neural processing contributes to the formation of vision and understanding how retinal prosthetic devices can restore vision in blindness. The lab uses in vitro electrophysiology (whole cell patch clamp, loose patch, and calcium imaging) and visual psychophysical behavioral techniques to address these questions.

Duties include assistance with electrophysiology experiments (including making solutions, tissue harvest, data acquisition, data analysis), assistance with running psychophysical behavioral experiments in mice, maintaining mouse colony (including breeding and genotyping), and general laboratory management and maintenance. In addition, the Laboratory Assistant will be expected to maintain detailed and accurate experimental records, participate in lab meetings, and assist with training undergraduate researcher assistants.

• Please submit a cover letter for a complete application.

• At least two years of applicable college-level coursework in Biology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, or Bioengineering, or equivalent lab experience.

• Minimum two years conducting research in a physiology/neuroscience lab environment.

• Experience with calculating dosages and dissolving a variety of chemicals, including drug weighing and dilution.

• Experience with data collection and analyses.

• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated skills in accurate record keeping, filing, etc.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

• Highly self-motivated, able to solve problems independently and with initiative.

• Knowledge of lab safety procedures and policies.

• Ability to supervise and train lab student assistants in the use of laboratory equipment and testing procedures.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Must be willing to work with animals, including rodents.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

• Mandated CANRA reporter. Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18). Completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) form is required.

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.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.