UCSD Health Sciences is a $1 billion dollar plus organization encompassing 16 academic departments (14 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 2 pre academic/hospital departments, 2 professional schools (School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), 2 hospitals, and various other programs and units all dedicated towards fulfilling the Health Sciences missions.

The Department of Pathology plays a key role in the University's three missions. It aims to achieve the highest standards in patient care, research and education. The Department provides diagnostic pathology services in a wide variety of subspecialties with highly trained subspecialists who are recognized for their expertise. The Department's research programs are diverse and interface with a wealth of basic and translational research programs that are a hallmark of UC San Diego.

Under the supervision of the PI, perform at full operational skill level mouse work and tissue culture experiments, including culture of human pluripotent and trophoblast stem cells as well as isolation and culture of primary cells and organoids from human placental samples. Perform quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, cloning and gene expression using lentiviral vectors, and immunofluorescence and flow cytometric analysis. Perform experiments making technical determination and/or observations related to research projects. Conduct limited variety of non-standard procedures. Install, operate and maintain laboratory equipment. Participate in animal studies including maintaining a mouse colony, injecting mice, euthanasia and dissecting tissue for analysis. This includes coordination of all research activities in the lab including scheduling and organization of studies, finding appropriate protocols and regulation for the experiments. The PI is interested in placental development and trophoblast biology.

• Theoretical knowledge of a life science such as is typically acquired by a Bachelors Degree in a field related to molecular, cellular, and developmental biology and/or appropriate work experience.

• Experience in sterile technique.

• Ability and willingness to handle and work with human tissues and other biohazardous, toxic, and carcinogenic materials and to recognize safety problems. Knowledge of radiation safety and biosafety techniques and practices. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.

• Superior oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.

• Demonstrated skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, autoclaves and electrophoresis equipment.

• Experience and organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.

• Demonstrated experience in basic cell culture techniques.

• Demonstrated experience with RNA and protein isolation, RT and qPCR, and Western blot techniques.

• Experience in keeping accurate and well-organized lab records, lab notebook and computer data files.

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as Access, MS Word and Excel. Knowledge to work with and learn new software for data analysis.

• Demonstrated experience with regulatory compliance methods and paperwork for IRB protocols.

• Enthusiasm to learn new techniques.

• Willingness to work with human tissue and animals.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.