Assist and participate in investigations on signaling pathways controlling liver fibrosis. Essential duties will include: assisting with large scale isolation of human primary liver cells including enzymatic digestion, perfusion and gradient centrifugation. Large scale amplification, culture and characterization of primary cell types.

Mouse work including maintain breeding colony of transgenic mice, breeding strategies, genotyping, administration of experimental compounds. Assist with DNA cloning and making plasmid DNA constructs using plasmid preparations and gel electrophoresis; experiments using bacteria in culture. Purification and characterization of proteins using immunoprecipitation, Western blotting and ELISA; operation of fluorescentl microscope and imaging software; purification of RNA from cells and human and mouse tissues; reverse transcription of RNA to cDNA, and subsequent real time quantitative PCR. Prepares samples for RNA-seq and ChIP-seq with subsequent analysis. Will assist PI in reviewing and completing laboratory and scientific documents. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of biology, molecular and cellular biology, and biochemistry attained through a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

• Knowledge and experience in primary cell isolation procedures.

• Demonstrated experience performing cell culture techniques including large scale amplification, culture and characterization of human primary cell types, demonstrated ability working with sterile equipment and supplies.

• Demonstrated experience in immunological techniques including immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry.

• Demonstrated experience with standard biochemical and molecular biological laboratory procedures such as DNA cloning, gel electrophoresis, PCR, RNA purification, reverse transcription, real time quantitative PCR, protein purification. Western Blotting, ELISA and Histological analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and to organize a varied workload to meet deadlines despite frequent interruptions. Demonstrated excellent organizational skills including ability to keep clear and accurate records, follow written and oral protocols.

• Experience in mouse breeding including strategies for generating new strains and genotyping. Knowledge of cre/lox system of mouse breeding and ability to design complex crosses to aid in understanding genes involved in fibrosis.

• Demonstrated experience in administering compounds to mice by intraperitoneal injection and oral gavage, and administering cell lines and primary cells by intrahepatic injection.

• Knowledge and experience using various microscopy techniques including fluorescent microscopy.

• Demonstrated experience in updating and maintaining large data bases.

• Experience using imaging software such as ImageJ.

• Demonstrated experience performing various biochemical laboratory techniques including pipetting, weighing, operating pH meters, centrifugation, and filtration.

• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office programs, including Power Point, Word, Excel and graphics software; willingness and ability to update and increase Mac/PC skills and knowledge as needed.

• Demonstrated skill performing mathematical calculations including computing dilutions, molarities, pH's, etc.

• Knowledge of and familiarity with scientific library databases such as PubMed to locate journal articles electronically and in print.

• Demonstrated successful, positive interpersonal oral and written communication skills using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Skill to interact effectively with faculty, academics, students, and staff including those of diverse ethnicity, culture, and foreign nationalities.

• Ability to follow established lab protocols and lab procedures.

• Knowledge of Material Safety Data Sheets, hazard communication, and Injury and Illness Prevention Program; safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, and use of protective items such as gloves and goggles.

• Must be willing to work with human tissue.

• Must be willing to work with small animals.

• Must be willing to work with cells, viruses and bacteria.

• Must be willing to work with tissue processing for histology.

• Must be willing to periodically work nights and weekends if necessary for experiments.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

• Some travel is required between UCSD locations.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.