DESCRIPTION

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, Staff Research Associate will be responsible for animal handling, husbandry, and applicable surgical techniques, and humane forms of euthanasia. Per established protocols, assists with specimen preparation for histology and biology experiments. Documents, organizes and stores samples for future use, and follows guidelines to evaluate sample quality/purity according to acceptable standards. Under supervision, assesses experimental results and trouble shoots to improve. Records, analyzes and presents data using appropriate software. Maintains detail and accurate records, references materials and central files. Establishes procedures to ensure timely distribution of results and data with proper consent release, as required. Responsible for the maintenance of the lab, keeping lab clean and safe. Order and maintain lab supplies, ensure supplies charge to correct funding. Assist with training of lab members in laboratory protocols and safety.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Proven skill to work with animals, particularly rat, rabbits as well as human tissues; tissue trimming and histology analysis, and knowledge and participation in necropsy. 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.

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

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

• Strong written and verbal communication skills needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment.

• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of general laboratory safety procedures. Knowledge of EH&S policies and procedures for hazardous waste handling.
• Able to manage project progress based under PI's instruction using the project management software.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing to work with animals.
• Must be willing to travel between UCSD campus and the VA hospital.
• Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.