Research Associate - Pediatrics

#140385 Staff Research Associate I - Pediatrics

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the UC San Diego School of Medicine, comprising approximately 171 faculty members, 50 postdoctoral fellows (MD and PhD), over 300 support staff, and 57 clinical residents and fellows across multiple divisions. The Department's missions of research, education, and patient care are closely integrated and central to its goals.

The Department has experienced substantial growth in recent years, with continued expansion anticipated across both its research and clinical programs.

Under supervision, the incumbent will support laboratory studies investigating the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms regulating development of the neonatal innate immune system. This position assists with molecular biology, immunology, and translational research within a collaborative and innovative laboratory environment.

The Research Associate will assist with molecular biology experiments and mouse studies related to neonatal lung disease and immune development. Laboratory techniques may include DNA/RNA isolation, quantitative PCR, cell culture, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, and related molecular assays.

Animal work may include colony maintenance, timed breeding setup, PCR genotyping, hyperoxia chamber experiments, injections, dissections, tissue collection, and bronchoalveolar lavage procedures under supervision and in compliance with institutional protocols.

General laboratory responsibilities include maintaining organized records, ordering supplies, assisting with protocol development, troubleshooting experiments, participating in lab meetings, and helping maintain a safe laboratory environment in accordance with EH&S, UCSD, state, and federal standards.

The incumbent will actively participate in research projects, assist with data analysis and interpretation, and with the preparation of presentations and manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator.

The Research Associate will be encouraged to engage with scientific literature, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute ideas regarding experimental approaches and laboratory methods.

Minimum qualifications include theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or related biological sciences; previous laboratory experience through coursework, internships, undergraduate research, or employment with understanding of fundamental laboratory operations; strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow protocols accurately; proficiency with computer applications including Microsoft Office and Excel; experience working with handling mice as well as setting up and monitoring pregnancies;

knowledge of harvesting, preparing for histology and analyzing neonatal rodent lung specimens; knowledge of histological analysis; ability to function effectively in a collaborative and deadline-driven environment; strong communication and analytical skills; demonstrated problem-solving skills and willingness to learn and troubleshoot laboratory procedures; knowledge of operating neonatal hyperoxia exposure chamber; experience with histology, including tissue processing and analysis.

Preferred qualifications include experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, nucleic acid isolation, tissue culture, or related methods.

Special conditions include employment is subject to a criminal background check; must be willing to adjust work schedules occasionally to accommodate experimental needs; must be willing to work occasional evenings or weekends as required for time-sensitive experiments; must be willing and able to work with small animals and biohazardous materials, including human tissues.