Research Associate - Pediatric Oncology

Job Description

The Huang Lab at UCSF (  ) investigates the genetics and biology of leukemia through the use of relevant mouse and cell line models. Specific goals include: (1) to determine the biochemical mechanisms governing growth, survival and differentiation of leukemia cells; (2) to identify genes and biochemical pathways that are regulated differentially in leukemia versus normal cells; (3) to measure the growth of distinct populations of normal and leukemia bone marrow cells in vivo and in vitro;

(4) to harvest murine bone marrow and embryonic fetal livers for transplantation into irradiated recipients; (5) to transplant genetically modified hematopoietic cells into recipient mice; (6) to perform genetic analysis on mouse tissues; and, (7) to administer chemotherapeutic agents, radiation, and new experimental treatments to mice.

The Huang Lab at UCSF (  ) investigates the genetics and biology of leukemia through the use of relevant mouse and cell line models. Specific goals include: (1) to determine the biochemical mechanisms governing growth, survival and differentiation of leukemia cells; (2) to identify genes and biochemical pathways that are regulated differentially in leukemia versus normal cells; (3) to measure the growth of distinct populations of normal and leukemia bone marrow cells in vivo and in vitro;

(4) to harvest murine bone marrow and embryonic fetal livers for transplantation into irradiated recipients; (5) to transplant genetically modified hematopoietic cells into recipient mice; (6) to perform genetic analysis on mouse tissues; and, (7) to administer chemotherapeutic agents, radiation, and new experimental treatments to mice.

This Staff Research Associate (SRA) position is for an individual who will work on leukemia research in mouse models and cell lines. SRA duties will include: cell/tissue culture, biochemical assays (western blotting, immunoprecipitation, qPCR), DNA and RNA extraction and manipulation, PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis, generation of recombinant retroviruses/lentiviruses and transduction of hematopoietic cells, flow cytometry, maintenance of accurate and complete records, organization and maintenance of mouse colonies (including computerized record-keeping, breeding, monitoring and genotyping), and experimental procedures using laboratory mice (blood sampling, intravenous/intraperitoneal injection, dissection, analysis of harvested tissues).

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in a related science; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Expertise in breeding and maintaining laboratory mice
• Molecular biology skills including DNA/RNA extraction and PCR amplification
• Tissue culture skills including passaging cell lines
• Biochemistry skills including Western blotting