Staff Research Associate - 136733

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is a vibrant and growing Orthopaedic Surgery Department of 48 full-time faculty and 50 voluntary faculty, 4 physicians on MSP contracts, 32 trainees, and 34 staff that supports and participates in the academic, clinical, and research mission of UC San Diego. The Department generates over $12M in clinical revenue, and $5M (NIH & other) in research grants and contracts, with total annual expenditures exceeding $30M. The Department is a comprehensive orthopaedic group located in San Diego that offers a full spectrum of musculoskeletal clinical care, specializing in foot and ankle, hand, joint reconstruction, physical medicine and rehabilitation, spine, sports, and trauma. Research expertise includes advancements in muscle metabolism and physiology, neuromuscular bioengineering, intervertebral disc, and musculoskeletal physiology and epidemiology.

Under the supervision of the PI, incumbent will be responsible for animal handling, husbandry, applicable surgical techniques, and humane forms of euthanasia. Per established protocols, will perform specimen preparation for histology and cell biology experiments, including biochemical and molecular biology techniques and cell culture experiments, including assisting in performance of studies utilizing animal tissues. Will document, organize and store samples for future use, and follow guidelines to evaluate sample quality/purity according to acceptable standards. Under supervision, will assess experimental results and trouble shoots to improve. Will record, analyze and present data using appropriate software. Will maintain detailed and accurate records, reference materials and central files. Will help maintain the lab, keeping lab clean and safe. Will order and maintain lab supplies. Will participate in training of lab members in laboratory protocols and safety and supervise undergraduate volunteers and research interns in the lab. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Theoretical knowledge of biology, microbiology, or related field typically acquired through formal education at the collegiate level and/or comparable experience.

• Demonstrated skill to work with animals, particularly mice, as well as animal and human tissues; tissue trimming and histology analysis, and knowledge in necropsy. Demonstrated knowledge to care for and handle small lab animals (mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits) and to administer medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals, euthanize small laboratory animals. Familiarity with the writing of Animal Subjects protocols and with the surgical microscope and surgical procedures.

• Strong communication skills to act as liaison between PI, laboratory personnel and ACP veterinary staff.

• Strong written & verbal communication skills needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, including communication skills to act as liaison between PI, laboratory personnel, collaborators, and ACP veterinary staff.

• Demonstrated skill in accurate record keeping and ability to organize, analyze, and calculate data. Knowledge in basic math for maintaining ledgers, income and expenditures reports.

• Good organizational skills to order laboratory equipment and supplies.

• Multi-tasking capabilities to execute assigned work as well as assist with day to day oversight of lab volunteers.

• Knowledge of general laboratory safety procedures.

• Experience with assisting in grant writing, manuscript preparation, and familiarity with basic statistics.

• Knowledge of EH&S policies and procedures for hazardous waste handling.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to work with animals.

• Must be willing to travel between UCSD campus.

• Occasional work outside of normal business hours.