Stem Cell Research Technician - 139782

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with approximately 171 Faculty, 50 postdoctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) along with over 300 support staff (not including hospital staff). In addition, the Department has 57clinical residents and fellows distributed across the Divisions. The missions of research, education and patient care are intertwined, and are integral to the goals of the department.

The Department has undergone significant growth in recent years with a consolidated budget of approximately $106 million including sponsored projects expenditures of approximately $54 million and clinical revenue of over $ 52 million. This expansion of the Department'sresearch and clinical portfolio is expected to continue in the next few years.

The Department's 18 divisions include Academic General Pediatrics, Child Development & Community Health; Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology; Cardiology; Dermatology; Dysmorphology; Emergency Medicine; Endocrinology; Gastroenterology; Genetics; Genome Information Sciences; Hospital Medicine; Infectious Diseases; Neonatology; Nephrology; Pharmacology & Drug Discovery; Rehabilitation Medicine; and Respiratory Medicine.

In 2001, physicians and leadership of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady Children's, and Children's Specialists of San Diego (CSSD) unified pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs, creating a university-affiliated children'shealth system to serve the region. Over the past two decades, an extensive list of joint programs has developed, with many physicians and researchers playing a role at both institutions.

This affiliation has consolidated the clinical, teaching, research and public service programs of the UCSD School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics with San Diego's only health care system dedicated to the health and well-being of children. In 2009, this partnership wasfurthered by the creation of Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego, a Medical Foundation, and is now recognized as having global leaders in research, technology, translational medicine, education and clinical excellence.

Under supervision, assists with and performs standard laboratory procedures involving human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), including the generation of different types of brain cells, brain organoids, and assembloids, as well as other experimental procedures. The incumbent willassist the Principal Investigator (PI) and other laboratory members with ongoing research studies. Studies will include: 1) General growth, expansion, and maintenance of hiPSCs, including differentiation into neurons, microglia, astrocytes, organoids, and assembloids. 2)Genetic manipulation of stem cells using viral vector-mediated silencing or overexpression approaches, as well as CRISPR-based genome engineering techniques. 3) Characterization of resultant phenotypes using molecular, imaging, and multi-electrode array (MEA) techniques.4) Molecular biology and biochemical techniques, including RNA isolation, protein extraction, PCR, qPCR, immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, ELISA, and related assays. The Incumbent will be responsible for collecting, organizing, and maintaining experimental data, as wellas preparing oral and written weekly progress reports. Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Demonstrated experience in FACS-based and viral transduction assays.

• Demonstrated experience in performing molecular, and cellular biology techniques including PCR, DNA preparation/extraction, gel electrophoresis.

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

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

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

• 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.

• Ability to prioritize and perform efficiently.

• Skill and ability to keep accurate data.

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

• Demonstrated experience in human stem cell-derived models including organoids and microglia and CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing.

• Experience with UCSD policies and procedures and basic safety rules and issues.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Willingness to work with animals, viral vectors, and standard hazardous laboratory compounds.

• Willing to work evenings and weekends when necessary.