Under supervision of the PI and in collaboration with post-doctoral Fellows, the Staff Research Associate II (SRA II) will drive a study that involves molecular biology experiments on a research project related to the identification of asymmetrically-expressed genes in the developing human brain. Job duties include: cutting, mounting, and staining thin brain tissue sections, performing in situ hybridization experiments on mounted tissue sections, maintaining an inventory of brain sections for making tissue slides, and quantification and characterization of gene expression patterns. You will interpret the results, troubleshoot experiments, modify hypothesis, and plan new results based on these interpretations. You will provide technical support in the lab, including technical assistance to other lab researchers in experimental procedures and use of lab equipment and computer programs, assist in training and supervision of lab assistants and graduate students and provide assistance to researchers from collaborating labs in relation to in situ hybridization experiments. The SRA II will provide some laboratory maintenance support including ordering reagents and supplies and preparing buffers, solutions, and chemicals for lab experiments. You will also be responsible for ordering radiological agents and assisting with maintaining the radiation usage log, and assisting with disposal of biological, chemical and radiological waste. Other activities include preparation of figures, charts, and graphs for grant applications, presentations and publications. You will have heavy involvement in writing abstracts and manuscripts for publication.
Salary Range:$28.86 - $46.43/Hourly
Qualifications
Required:
Demonstrated knowledge of basic, standard
laboratory equipment, including Speed Vac, vacuum, centrifuge, waterbath,
incubator, and cryostat.
Good communication skills and ability to work
well with multiple individuals.
Ability to work on several projects
simultaneously and to switch focus as needed.
Ability to learn new laboratory techniques and
new lab equipment, as needed.
Ability to keep accurate, detailed, organized
laboratory records.
Skill in performing repetitive work according to
set procedures.
Demonstrated knowledge of chemistry, buffer
solutions, PH, and fixatives for lab experiments.
Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures for
handling chemical, radiological, and biohazard waste.
Working knowledge of neuroscience discipline and
anatomy to recognize areas in tissue.
Skill in thin sectioning of frozen brain tissue.
Working knowledge of various tissue staining
protocols, including hematoxylin & eosin and cresyl violet.
Working knowledge of special laboratory
techniques, including in situ hybridization, genotyping, PCR, and sequencing.
Working knowledge of specialized laboratory
equipment, including PCR machine, scanner, sequencer, Digital camera and
microscopes.
Working knowledge of and skill in using both
Macintosh and PC operating systems.
Skill in using various computer softwares, such
as ImageQuant, NIH Image, Spot Advanced, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, and Excel.
Preferred:
General knowledge of University procedures for
ordering laboratory supplies.
Willingness to work occasional overtime in order
to meet deadlines related to grants applications, conferences, and publications.
At UCLA Health, you can help heal humankind, one patient at a time by improving health, alleviating suffering and delivering acts of kindness. As you do, you’ll achieve great things in your life and your career. We’re a world-class health organization with four hospitals consistently recognized among the nation’s very best as well as an internationally-renowned medical school, primary and specialty care clinics and much more. Within our dynamic, innovative and growing organization, you’ll find exceptional opportunities to make the most of your abilities in a supportive, empowering and inclusive environment. If you embrace our values of Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence and Discovery we invite you to see all you can accomplish at UCLA Health.