Mouse Colony/Lab Manager - Cancer Center - 140340

About the role

The Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD and various institutions. The MCM oversees the mouse colony and breeding program, performs surgical procedures on mice, and manages experimental samples.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the mouse colony and breeding program, including in vivo mouse models, surgical procedures, and maintenance of experimental samples.
• Administer all associated administrative functions of the mouse colony and breeding program, including preparing buffers, solutions, and routine lab chemicals.
• Perform molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA preparation/extraction, gel electrophoresis, and Southern Blot.
• Prepare and maintain research databases, enter data into spreadsheets, order/receive supplies, and coordinate data from the mouse colony.
• Document detailed observations of cellular and molecular biology experiments and accurately record data results for interpretation by the Principal Investigator.
• Manage a complex work schedule and maintain accurate data records from detailed observation of experimentation.
• Collaborate with colleagues and interact professionally with faculty, staff, and students.

Requirements

• Advanced theoretical and/or Bachelor's Degree in cellular and molecular biology, immunology, or related field.
• Experience performing molecular and cellular immunology experiments including DNA isolation, RNA isolation, ELISA assays, immunophenotyping, vector purifications, isolations, and transfections, and Western blotting.
• Demonstrated experience in clinical and/or research technical procedures, such as the developmental and production of transgenic mice, breeding colony management, blood and tissue collection.
• Demonstrated experience in biochemistry and laboratory techniques, including preparing buffers and solutions, making media for tissue culture, purifying cells from tissues, and making protein lysates.
• Demonstrated experience with mouse colony management, including mouse genotyping, husbandry methods, breeding, weaning, tail clipping of offspring, surgical procedures, and injections, and maintenance of water system, cage, and water bottles.
• Demonstrated experience with UCSD EH&S regulations and laboratory safety procedures, including radioactive waste management and disposal.
• Demonstrated experience in operating bioclean environmental rooms and understanding the concept of sterility and transfer of pathogens.
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Genetrack (mouse management software).
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment.
• Experience with immunophenotyping (cytometry) machines such as FACScan, viral transfection machine, and incubators for tissue culture.
• Extensive experience developing mouse models of myocardial infarction, cancer and metastasis, vascular leak, and angiogenesis.
• Advanced theoretical knowledge of viral vector purification and transfections with various DNA plasmids, DNA and RNA purification.
• Experience and knowledge to capture data based on high resolution ultrasound studies of mouse pancreas, and development and maintenance of patient-derived xenografts from pancreatic and colon cancer, GI stromal tumor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with University/NIH/AALAC policies and compliance procedures.
• Demonstrated experience working with Macintosh OSX.

Special Conditions

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Must be willing to work flexible schedule in order to complete experiments as necessary.