This position will remain open until a successful candidate has been identified.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 03/02/2023 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 03/13/2023. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

The Moores Cancer Center is one of just 53 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 14 departments (12 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 3 professional schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University, and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology.

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.

The Laboratory Research Assistant will assist with experiments and preparation, presentation, and publication of results under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI). Responsibilities will include assisting with cell culture, growth and migration assays, isolation of nucleic acids and proteins, work with animal models (mice) and quantitative analysis with PCR. Immunologic correlates including EliSPOT assays and T-cell reactivity assays will be evaluated in relationship to genomic alterations. The incumbent will be working with murine animal models, assist with maintaining animal colony, maintaining laboratory equipment, order supplies as needed and assist laboratory management to provide support for students, postdocs and general laboratory operations.

Our research work seeks to understand post transcriptional changes, including alternative splicing events, which are prevalent in head and neck cancer. Splicing alteration and post transcriptional alterations represent an understudied gap in genomic knowledge that seeks to understand changes that occur between DNA mutations and ultimately expressed protein phenotypes in tumors.

• Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and/or biochemistry.

• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques including PCR, RT-PCR, RNA/DNA isolation, and protein purification.

• Ability to perform aseptic cell/tissue culture techniques. Familiarity with cell culture techniques such as cell propagation, mycoplasma, contamination testing, and cryopreservation.

• Ability and willingness to handle and work with small animals. Ability to assist in performing mouse surgeries, experiments, injections, euthanasia and tissue recovery.

• Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, autoclaves and electrophoresis equipment.

• Basic understanding of computer applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as to effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.

• Detail-oriented. Ability to work with little supervision. Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions. Ability to follow-up on previously begun procedures. Ability to accurately record data and enter into appropriate medium.

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

• Familiar in proper handling of chemical and biohazard materials. Familiarity with sterile techniques.

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of cellular and molecular biology; their techniques and approaches, with demonstrated ability to perform independent scientific inquiry or equivalent experience.

• Ability to assist with immunohistochemistry of frozen and fixed samples.
• Experience in cellular immunology techniques, such ELISPOT, cytokine detection.
• Internet search and software analysis capabilities. Knowledge and experience with R.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing and able to work with hazardous materials (biological and chemical).
• Must be willing and able to work with small animals.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $51,949 - $61,972 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $24.88 - $29.68

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).

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.

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 .

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: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

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UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.