DESCRIPTION

The Department of Ophthalmology is comprised of 30 faculty physicians and scientists, 12 resident physicians, 13 (including clinical and research) post-doctoral physicians and scientists, and over 150 staff with 6 divisions – Glaucoma, Retina, Cornea & Refractive Surgery, Pediatrics, Oculoplastics, and Neuro-ophthalmology. Clinical services are provided at the Shiley Eye Center, Ratner Eye Center, UCSD Health Sciences (UCSDHS) Hillcrest Ambulatory Center and the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital. The Department of Ophthalmology has the largest single outpatient clinic at the University of California, San Diego with over 110,000 visits annually. Additionally, over 5400 surgical cases are performed.

The incumbent will participate in research studies aimed at understanding the pathology of ophthalmic diseases. The incumbent will perform ocular tissue histological processing and staining, including paraffin and cryo-sections. The staining will include routine HE and immunohistochemistry. The incumbent will also perform dissection of laboratory animals, histology, lab organization, cleaning, supply ordering, and experimental data filing including record keeping, data retrieval, and data reporting. The incumbent will occasionally assist with experimental animal handling including anesthesia, health monitoring, and euthanasia. In addition, the incumbent will also train students and lab personnel, perform biological, physiological, biochemical, and histological experiments including DNA/RNA isolation, blood sample processing, PCR, stem cell or tissue culture, etc.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is understood that all Shiley Eye Center staff will also perform other reasonably related duties if requested by his or her supervisor or other leadership personnel. It is customary for staff to assist and support their colleagues during times of peak workload, as appropriate and as approved by supervisors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge in a life science such as histology and in biochemistry; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience .

• Familiarity with histology processing including preparation of praffin sections, cryo sections, and Epon semi-thin sections.

• Demonstrated experience processing tissues and cells, cut sections, and performing histological staining procedures, biochemistry/molecular biology techniques.

• Ability to operate: microscopes, balances, pH meter, centrifuge, computer/calculator, gas tanks, microplate reader, electrophoresis machine, PCR machine and similar lab equipment.

• Knowledge and ability to perform good sterile techniques in specimen collection requirements for different tests, processing and storage of different types of specimens.

• Ability to handle live laboratory rodents or small animals. Skilled in the administration of medications or fixation through cardiovascular or eye globe.

• Thorough knowledge of equipment used tissue processing and antigen retrieving.

• Proven experience in data collection and reduction. Knowledge of good note-keeping procedures

• Familiarity with ordering supplies.

• Strong interpersonal skills-ability to work well with co-workers, students and international fellows.

• Sufficient English speaking and writing.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety policies and procedures including chemical and radiation safety.

• Maintain professionalism in dress, conversation, attitude, behavior, and attentiveness to people at all times.

• Uphold the UCSD Principles of Community, and are required to promote a positive and collaborative team environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of UCSD Environmental Health and Safety requirements.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Willing to handle and euthanize small experimental animals such as rodent, rabbit, guinea pig.
• Willing to work with histology processing solvents, patient blood and tissue samples.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule to accommodate varying work loads, including ability to work weekends, evenings and overtime if needed