Staff Research Associate 2 - 137490

The lab within UC San Diego Biological Sciences studies how parasitic cells and animals move, penetrate through tissue, and change shape. Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Staff Research Associate will assist in research aimed at understanding the motility of the schistosomule stage of the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. This position will perform a wide variety of standard repetitive procedures, without detailed technical supervision, in order to care for infected Biomphlaria glabrata snails, harvest S. mansoni cercariae, transform cercariae into schistosomules, work with collagen gels and other extracellular matrix, and perform live imaging and image analysis of schistosomule motility. The Staff Research Associate will assist with culturing human and Toxoplasma gondii cell lines, engineering cell lines, imaging cells and parasites using fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative analysis of microscopy images and movies. This position will also perform lab management duties including ordering and receiving supplies, maintaining clear and accurate records and organizational systems, maintaining lab cleanliness, and coordinating lab safety compliance, equipment maintenance, etc.

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of cell biology and molecular or organismal biology, physics, or bioengineering, including relevant laboratory techniques, acquired through a B.S. in Biology, Physics, Bioengineering, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

• Experience working with Schistosoma mansoni and infected Biomphalaria glabrata snails.

• Experience harvesting S. mansoni cercariae, transforming cercariae to schistosomules, and stimulating schistosomule activity/motility.

• Ability to work with mammalian cell lines, Toxoplasma gondii, and Schistosoma mansoni as research model systems, including experience culturing cells or organisms and passaging cells.

• Knowledge of and experience with microscopy of cells or organisms: preparing samples for fixed and live imaging, using fluorescence microscopes, and analyzing imaging data in ImageJ or with other computational tools.

• Experience with general laboratory equipment including centrifuges, balances, autoclaves, and pH meters.

• Ability to apply quantitative methods (e.g., calculus, statistics, modeling) and physical principles to solve problems in biological research.

• Ability to follow established lab protocols and lab procedures and to maintain accurate records of scientific data.

• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills. Demonstrated ability in using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a research team and interact effectively with collaborating labs and others in scientific community.

• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.

• Experience maintaining databases of items such as plasmids, cell lines, antibody collections, dyes, other reagents, and code.

• Skill and knowledge to proactively maintain an organized lab and stocks of essential supplies and media, purchase new equipment, and ensure lab equipment is operating effectively.

• Knowledge of purchasing and reimbursement procedures. Commitment to excellence in organizational maintenance of purchasing records and monitoring of lab expenditures.

• Experience and knowledge of proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, biochemicals, hazardous chemicals, and biohazardous materials.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Hazard Communication (HAZCOM), Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (IIPP), and Chemical Hygiene Plans (CHP). Ability to conduct safety training on proper chemical handling and the selection/use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and to maintain up-to-date compliance records.

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.

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

• Must be willing to work occasional evenings and/or weekends, as required by experiments.

• Ability to lift and carry containers, tanks, or equipment, up to 50 lbs, for short distances (e.g. transporting water tanks and snail cultures).

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.

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