Junior Specialist - Padmanabhan Lab JPF05595
The Padmanabhan Lab is now recruiting a Junior Specialist. The areas of specialization and responsibilities for this position include:
* Culture, genetically manipulate, and maintain mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells and human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells, employing advanced genetic modification techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
* Perform directed differentiation protocols to derive atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes from hiPS and mES cell lines, optimizing conditions to consistently achieve high differentiation efficiency and purity.
* Independently design, generate, troubleshoot, and rigorously validate novel genotyping protocols for newly engineered mouse genetic alleles and genetically modified cell lines, ensuring high reliability and reproducibility.
* Evaluate and quantify gene expression profiles using quantitative PCR (qPCR), including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, primer optimization, assay validation, data normalization, and comprehensive analysis of resulting data.
* Plan and execute timed matings; perform precise and careful dissection of mouse dams to isolate embryos at specific developmental stages.
* Conduct rapid DNA extraction and accurate genotyping of mouse embryos immediately following collection to determine genotype and viability for downstream analysis.
* Prepare embryonic and adult tissues meticulously for histological and microscopic evaluation, performing tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning, staining (including immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence), and imaging.
* Execute a variety of molecular biology and biochemical assays including but not limited to molecular cloning, plasmid construction and validation, lentiviral and adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector preparation, in vitro and in vivo viral transduction, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation (IP), co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).
* Efficiently manage and maintain a mouse colony of 80-100 cages, including breeding strategies, record keeping, health monitoring, weaning, and adherence to institutional animal care guidelines.
* Proactively collaborate with other laboratory team members and external collaborators to execute experiments, troubleshoot problems, rapidly complete required tasks, and effectively drive research projects forward.
* Maintain comprehensive, clear, and accurate laboratory notebooks in compliance with institutional and funding agency guidelines, meticulously documenting experimental design, execution, observations, results, and interpretations.
* Organize and securely store biological samples, experimental data, and reagents according to laboratory standards to ensure sample integrity and data reproducibility.
* Conduct basic statistical analyses using relevant software platforms, organize data into visually clear and interpretable formats, and present concise summaries and findings in both written narratives and oral presentations for internal meetings.
Basic qualifications (required at time of application):
* Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Genetics, or closely related scientific fields.
* At least 1-year of hands-on experience working in an academic or industry research laboratory environment.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
* Proven expertise in cell culture techniques, molecular biology methodologies, biochemical assays, and in vivo mouse model systems.
* Demonstrated proficiency in managing mouse colonies, including handling, breeding, genotyping, and colony maintenance.
* Strong capability to independently troubleshoot complex experimental procedures, resolve technical challenges, and consistently generate reliable data.
* Self-motivated with exceptional organizational skills and ability to efficiently prioritize tasks and projects to meet critical deadlines.
* Proven effectiveness in clear communication and excellent interpersonal skills for seamless collaboration within diverse research teams.
* Demonstrated track record of successfully managing and executing multiple concurrent projects with efficiency and high productivity.
* Ability to rapidly learn new techniques, protocols, and technologies relevant to advancing laboratory research goals.
* Proven understanding of the full research cycle, including planning, execution, data analysis, and timely contribution to manuscript preparation and revisions.
* Demonstrated commitment to team-oriented goals, actively contributing to the overall success and advancement of the laboratory's scientific mission.
Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05595. Applicants' materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.
See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100-$56,600.
