Stem Cell Research Technician - 138387

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 UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) is one of two basic science units in the School of Medicine where world-class researchers study fundamental cellular processes and pathways using a variety of techniques from classical genetics and fluorescence microscopy to high-throughput genomics, systems biology, and crystallography. Our 36 faculty and over 200 postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and research staff work on the cutting edge of biology, cutting across fields from basic biochemistry and genetics to genomics, systems biology and stem cell biology. The faculty also 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. 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 deeply interested individuals who are ready to become a part of our dynamic research and educational environment.

In the Yeo lab, we seek to understand the mechanisms by which gene expression is controlled at the RNA level to maintain proper functioning of cells during normal human development and aging, and study how dysregulation of these processes leads to developmental and degenerative disorders. To this end, we develop and apply novel human stem cell differentiation technologies, single-cell transcriptome and RNA tracking analyses and requisite bioinformatics tools.

Under supervision, the Stem Cell Research Technician assists with generating and analyzing stem-cell based models of neurodevelopmental disorders. The incumbent will perform routine maintenance of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated progeny, using established protocols; CRISPR genome editing and routine differentiation of these cells towards neuronal cells, using established protocols; standard molecular biology tools to transfect, lentivirally infect and electroporate cells, isolate RNA, DNA and protein from cells, and characterize gene expression by Western blot, rt-qPCR, and through the preparation of RNA-seq libraries, using standard kits and procedures. Incumbent will also assist in immunocytochemistry and epifluorescence and confocal microscopy characterization of cells. Other tasks will be as assigned by the supervisor and project scientists. Incumbent will also be involved with general lab organization procedures.

• Theoretical and/or practical knowledge in cellular and molecular biology, immunology, stem cell or related field.

• Previous experience in human pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation.

• Ability to perform molecular biology techniques including PCR, DNA preparation/extraction, gel electrophoresis.

• Capable of performing biochemistry and laboratory techniques and demonstrated experience to prepare buffers and solutions, as well as various staining solutions.

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as Access, MS Word and Excel.

• Ability to work with confocal, light, and fluorescence microscopes.

• Ability to follow step based experimental protocols.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other staff members, students, faculty and scientists in a multi-cultural lab.

• Experience with general lab maintenance including cleaning, stocking supplies.

• bility to prioritize and perform efficiently.

• Willing to comply to UCSD policies and procedures and to stay informed and comply with basic safety rules and issues.

• Skill and ability to keep accurate data.

• Ability to read, comprehend, and discuss research materials.

• Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Willingness to work with animals, lentivirus, radioactive material, human tissue and standard hazardous laboratory compounds.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when necessary.