Lab Assistant ; Part-Time

Laboratory Assistant I

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs.

It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology is a world-leading neuroscience department where molecular, anatomical, and physiological discoveries are seamlessly integrated into developing new treatments for neurological diseases.

This research position will be funded by PI's current extramural awards (NIH, CIRM, or Department of Defense). This position represents a unique and exciting opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art research to elucidate the mechanistic basis of cancer and cancer therapies on brain function and mitigate these neurodegenerative consequences using pharmacological, genetic, or regenerative approaches. The Lab Asst-I is expected to execute several specialized skills in Neuroscience research.

• In consultation with PI and senior lab members, conduct step-by-step optimization of animal behavior protocol
• In consultation with PI and senior lab members, optimize and conduct automated tracking, storage, and monitoring of animal behavior videos using specialized scientific modules (Noldus Ethovision, Anymaze, Freeze Frame, etc.)
• Optimize and conduct dual/triple immunofluorescence staining, laser scanning confocal microscopy and 3D algorithm-based volumetric quantification of confocal z stacks to acquire and analyze the cellular and synaptic marker data.
• Intra-cardiac perfusion of animal tissues, cryo-preservation, and sectioning using cryo-stat.
• Collection and analysis of animal behavior, confocal microscopy, cell culture, and biochemical data sets, and collate/organize data sets for statistical analysis.
• Laboratory maintenance, including working and standard solution preparation, conducting specialized molecular and cellular analytical techniques, including cell culturing, ELISA, Western Blotting, PRC/RT-PCR, etc.
• Small animal handling, dosing, animal care, major and minor survival surgeries, including peripheral organ and intracranial surgeries.
• Small animal irradiation using specialized irradiation equipment.
• Optimize and conduct BLI and CT scanning techniques for in vivo tracking of tumors.
• Optimize the performance of computers used for data analysis, animal behavior, confocal microscopy, etc.
• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students to perform animal cognitive function studies.
• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students to perform cellular and molecular studies using animal and human tissues.
• Communicate student's data and design student's research projects with the PI.
• Collect and prepare data sets for presentation at scientific conferences.
• Collect and prepare data sets for scientific publications.

Required:

• Small animal handling, dosing, and animal care.
• Small animal cognitive function protocols execution
• Small animal euthanasia and tissue collection
• Basic cell culture maintenance and experiments
• Basic molecular biology experiments
• Animal behavior monitoring, acquisition, and data analysis using automated video tracking modules
• Small animal imaging, including CT and BLI scans
• Knowledge of collation of data using MS Office, data analysis, and presentation of data
• Ability to train and supervise undergraduate and graduate research students
• Ability to collate and validate data for scientific dissemination
• Prior experience in training undergraduate students and data analysis.
• Experience in immunofluorescence staining, laser scanning confocal microscopy, 3D algorithm-based in silico analyses of confocal z stacks, and basic biochemistry techniques.
• A prior experience in animal handling, animal…