Microbiology Technician - 136378

Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the UCSD School of Medicine with comprehensive clinical programs, extensive basic science and clinical research, and diverse educational opportunities for students, residents and fellows. The internationally renowned faculty play a major role in medical and graduate student training, providing educational and programmatic offerings that span several disciplines, and provide diversity to meet the interests of a broad spectrum of students and scholars. More than one hundred trainees at the graduate student and postdoctoral level, as well as more than 300 professional, research and administrative staff who along with the department administrators interact closely with the faculty. The diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and talents creates a robust work environment with challenging career opportunities and a commitment to continued growth potential. We constantly seek to recruit highly motivated, technologically-advanced and interested individuals to become a part of our dynamic cutting-edge research, clinical, and educational environment.

Under supervision, incumbent will perform a wide variety of standard repetitive laboratory procedures for different projects, analyze data and interpret results independently and in collaboration with others. Independently perform DNA restriction analysis, DNA cloning, conduct DNA extractions and PCR analysis. Prepare cells for flow cytometry, analyze and interpret results from FACS and flow analysis. Involve in the experimentation including human tissue culture and mouse models of bacterial infection and anti-infective therapy. Perform bacterial infection studies in the tissue culture and small animal models, including systemic, lung, skin, wound infection studies in wild-type and knockout mice. Contribute to certain laboratory management duties that include overseeing ordering, inventory, creation and management of microbial strain and plasmid databases, equipment upkeep, and help in supervising undergraduate student laboratory assistants. Independently work with junior faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, and in collaboration with biotechnology companies.

• Theoretical knowledge in cellular and molecular biology, or other closely related field typically acquired at the collegiate level and/or comparable experience.

• Previous experience working in a research lab specializing in innate immunity, host-pathogen interactions, bacterial pathogenesis.

• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of scientific reagents.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, bioguard hood, microscope, pipeters, autoclave, balances, incubator.

• Demonstrated experience operating, maintaining and repairing a variety of laboratory equipment, including a flow cytometer and FACS sorter.

• Demonstrated experience in evaluating and communicating scientific data.

• Demonstrated experience with mouse handling and experimentation, including working knowledge of mouse husbandry.

• Demonstrated experience in maintaining data accurately and mathematical computation.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of various computer software, hardware, and standard office sufficient to record scientific data and results, and prepare reports.

• Experience performing sterile technique for bacterial and cell culture.

• Demonstrated knowledge of principles underlying DNA, RNA, and protein analysis, PCR, and ELISA.

• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of detailed and accurate scientific reports.

• Demonstrated experience with tissue culture.

• General laboratory skills and safety training.

• Background check may be required upon hire.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Must be willing to work with animals.