Mouse Colony/Lab Manager - Cancer Center - 140340

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: encompassing 28 departments, 6 schools School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Biological Sciences & the School of Physical Sciences), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI). These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future-oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy of career-path development for its employees including opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerated discovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

The Mouse Colony/Lab Manager (MCM) oversees the mouse colony and breeding program which includes use of in vivo mouse models, performing surgical procedures on mice and maintenance of experimental samples. The MCM is also responsible for all associated administrative functions of the mouse colony and breeding program. In addition, the MCM is responsible for preparing buffers, solutions and routine lab chemicals, performing molecular biology techniques including PCR and DNA preparation/extraction and laboratory administrative duties which include maintaining a research database, data entry into spreadsheets, ordering/receiving supplies and coordinating data from the mouse colony. The MCM is responsible for detailed observations of cellular and molecular biology experiments and accurate recording of data results to be interpreted by the Principal Investigator for possible use in scientific manuscripts. Other duties assigned as needed.

• 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. Proven experience and demonstrated theoretical knowledge of normal physiological data of rodents, particularly mice, and skill in the recognition of abnormal behavior and health.

• Demonstrated experience performing molecular biology techniques including PCR, DNA preparation/extraction, gel electrophoresis and Southern Blot.

• Demonstrated experience in performing biochemistry and laboratory techniques and demonstrated experience to prepare buffers and solutions, as well as various staining solutions. Skill and experience making media for tissue culture, purifying cells from tissues and making protein lysates.

• Demonstrated experience with all aspects of 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 room and understanding the concept of sterility and transfer of pathogens.

• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Word, Excel and Genetrack (mouse management software). Skill in use of general office equipment (fax, photocopier, phone, etc.).

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment. Effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials. Demonstrated ability to exercise judgement, initiative and resourcefulness in making decisions under supervision. Demonstrated ability to manage a complex work schedule.

• Experience with UCSD Animal Subjects procedures. Expertise in aseptic surgical techniques in the capacity of researcher/teacher, to include organ manipulation, tissue explantations and proper use of anesthesia machines.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate data records from detailed observation of experimentation, and to transcribe precise, cogent results for possible scientific journal publication.

• Demonstrated experience with general lab maintenance including cleaning, stocking supplies.

• Excellent communication skills to interact with faculty, staff, and students as well as appropriate campus department personnel. Skill and knowledge to collaborate with colleagues.

• Experience using 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. Knowledge and experience with DNA and RNA purification.

• Experience and knowledge to capture data based on high resolution ultrasound studies of mouse pancreas. Experience with development and maintenance of patient derived xenografts from pancreatic and colon cancer, GI stromal tumor.

• Familiarity with University/NIH/AALAC policies and compliance procedures.

• Demonstrated experience working with Macintosh OSX.

• 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.