Research Technician - 135242

The Department of Neurosciences is a large department within the UCSD School of Medicine. The Department's mission is to create the synergies and define the ideas and programs that will allow us to transform the way our neurosciences community discovers, teaches and cares. We strive to conduct cutting-edge science and research and train the next generation of neurologists and researchers by fostering education at all levels and integrating the latest scientific and medical advances into the curriculum.

Under supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and the lab manager, the incumbent will assist and perform research as a research technician for a Neurosciences laboratory focusing on making human cell models for neuroscience. The Research Associate will perform a limited variety of laboratory management (organization, aliquoting, etc.) and non-standard experimental procedures focusing on the implementation of novel culture technologies including cell reprogramming to model brain ageing and disease. Responsibilities include assisting with various lab functions, human neural cell reprogramming, developing novel culture techniques using advanced materials, genome editing, and genotyping of human cells, confocal imaging, molecular biology, and single cell multiplexed data generation and analysis.

• Theoretical knowledge in molecular biology, cellular neuroscience, or related science with laboratory experience.

• Demonstrated experience in laboratory management within a human stem cell disease modeling environment, including oversight of daily operations, equipment maintenance, and compliance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.

• Experience with the quality control (lot testing) documentation, tracking, and verification of lot numbers for specialized human cell reprogramming reagents, viral vectors, growth factors, bioengineered matrices, and specialized growth media, ensuring traceability and reproducibility of experiments specific to human stem cell and reprogramming technologies.

• Hands-on experience in quality control (QC) procedures for essential reagents, including viral vectors (e.g., AAV, lentivirus), growth factors, bioengineered matrices, and custom media formulations, with the ability to assess purity, potency, and sterility using established analytical methods.

• Demonstrated proficiency in generating and maintaining large numbers of human primary and patient-derived cell lines, with a proven ability to manage, organize, and appropriately handle multiple cell lines simultaneously to avoid cross-contamination and ensure experimental integrity.

• Experience with both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human neural cell culture systems, including organoid and spheroid models, and their application in neuroscience and disease modeling research.

• Excellent communication skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, preparing technical reports, and contributing to manuscript preparation for publication.

• Ability to perform a limited variety of non-standard experimental procedures involving human cell culture and reprograming experiments, and various molecular approaches with accuracy and attention to detail. Willingness and ability to learn new techniques and tasks.

• Knowledge of medical and scientific terminology and familiar with those associated with cellular neurobiology.

• Theoretical knowledge in application of two- and three-dimensional human culture models in biomedical sciences, and experience with human neural reprogramming, confocal imaging, and biomaterials. Experience with data analysis and software applications such as Word, Prism, and Excel.

• Knowledge with two- and three-dimensional human neural cell cultures, cell reprogramming of somatic donor cell types, and ability to learn new cell culture, molecular biology procedures and techniques readily and to adapt standard methods to new situations.

• Ability to perform accurate record keeping and organize and calculate data. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.

• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population. Demonstrated ability to effectively prepare manuscripts for publication.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility. Ability to work independently and/or in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community and in a lab environment that interacts with a diverse group of research and technical personnel and other laboratories.

• Knowledge and skill in the safe and efficient operation of lab equipment including hand-held pipettors, advanced standard and non-standard equipment, and glassware

• Master's degree (MSc) in neuroscience, or a closely related field.

• Scientific publication record in the fields of neuroscience and cell biology, and neurological diseases.

• Knowledge of basic lab safety requirements/procedures; EH&S regulations and methods for handling, clean-up, and waste disposal for biohazardous materials and radioisotopes and regulations for safe recordkeeping.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous materials.

• Must be willing to work flexible schedule in order to complete experiments as necessary.