Career Center
University Park, Pennsylvania
University Park, Pennsylvania
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
San Antonio, Texas
Rootstown, Ohio
LaBelle, Florida
Posted: 06-Dec-22
Location: La Jolla, California
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 119531
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/19/2022 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 10/28/2022. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
Placement within the salary range is determined by internal equity, relevant qualifications, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
DESCRIPTION
Neuroscience laboratory in the Department of Psychiatry using mouse genetics and behavior to define the contribution of discrete neural circuits in basic processes underlying mental health and disease.
Under supervision, incumbent will be part of a neuroscience research laboratory focused on neural circuitry and neurochemistry underlying motivated behavior, decision making, and mental illnesses including depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders, as well as Parkinson's Disease. Researcher will work closely with live rodents as experimental subjects and assist in performing techniques that include brain surgeries, behavioral training and analyses, in vivo recordings, optogenetics and pharmacological manipulations, molecular biology, histology, building behavioral testing and recording devices, and programming behavioral tasks and data analysis code. Performs other related functions as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Theoretical knowledge as required in a Bachelor's degree plus two (2) years of laboratory experience or two (2) years of college courses in neuroscience (or related). Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population. Ability to interpret and carry out written and oral instructions effectively and accurately.
Effective interpersonal skills with ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Possess skills of tact, poise, diplomacy, confidentiality and flexibility in a lab environment that interacts with a diverse group of research and technical personnel and other laboratories. Ability to work in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community with other lab personnel/staff, faculty, and students.
Sensitivity to the needs of caged laboratory animals in compliance with AAALAC guidelines.
Solid computer skills using MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, email system, and a variety of web-based programs. Demonstrated ability to create and maintain databases, perform standard computer tasks, learn new programs/applications with minimal direction. Demonstrated commitment to update/maintain technology skills with relevant computer software.
Ability to work collaboratively on a research project and learn new experimental methods as required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of brain anatomy, neural circuit function, neurobiology, animal learning and behavior.
- Experience with mouse handling and/or colony management (genetics and maintenance of mouse lines) including genotyping, husbandry methods, breeding, weaning, tail clipping of offspring, surgical procedures, behavioral measurements, injections/euthanasia, and maintenance of water system, cage and water bottles.
- Experience with general lab maintenance including maintain stocks of essential supplies and reagents, purchase lab supplies, and ensure lab is clean/organized and lab equipment is running efficiently.
- Experience with coding for data analysis (e.g., python, Matlab, R, or similar) and basic statistical knowledge.
- Experience and interest in designing and independently building electronics devices (e.g., Arduino or similar), 3-D printing, programming behavioral tasks and interfacing with multimodal recordings (e.g., real-time video tracking, closed-loop optogenetics, in vivo imaging or electrophysiology).
- Experience performing molecular biology techniques including DNA preparation/extraction and PCR genotyping.
- Experience working safely with potentially hazardous viral gene-transfer vectors & lab chemicals. Experience making basic chemical solutions.
- Experience performing routine histochemical staining and immunohistochemistry and troubleshooting new protocols. Experience preparing and analyzing tissue samples for histology (e.g., perfusion, tissue dissection, sectioning, immunofluorescence, microscopy).
- Working knowledge of basic lab operations, procedures and proper use and maintenance of lab equipment. Knowledge of basic lab safety requirements as well as EH&S regulations for handling, clean-up, storage, and dispo Connections working at University of California San DiegoUC San Diego is an academic powerhouse and economic engine, recognized as one of the top 8 public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Innovation is central to who we are and what we do. Here, students learn that knowledge isn't just acquired in the classroom - life is their laboratory. UC San Diego's rich academic portfolio includes six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions and five graduate and professional schools. The university's award-winning scholars are experts at the forefront of their fields with an impressive track record for achieving scientific, medical and technological breakthroughs.
