Lab Assistant I - University of California, Irvine

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology is a world-leading neuroscience department where molecular, anatomical, and physiological discoveries are seamlessly integrated into developing new treatments for neurological diseases.

This research position will be funded by PI’s current extramural awards . This position represents a unique and exciting opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art research to elucidate the mechanistic basis of cancer and cancer therapies on brain function and mitigate these neurodegenerative consequences using pharmacological, genetic, or regenerative approaches.

The Lab Asst-I is expected to develop several specialized skills in neuroscience research.

1. In consultation with PI and senior lab members, conduct step-by-step optimization of animal behavior protocol
2. In consultation with PI and senior lab members, optimize and conduct automated tracking, storage, and monitoring of animal behavior videos using specialized scientific modules (Noldus Ethovision, Anymaze, FreezeFrame, etc.)
3. Optimize and conduct dual/triple immunofluorescence staining, laser scanning confocal microscopy and 3D algorithm-based volumetric quantification of confocal z stacks to acquire and analyze the cellular and synaptic marker data.
4. Intra-cardiac perfusion of animal tissues, cryo-preservation, and sectioning using cryo-stat.
5. Collection and analysis of animal behavior, confocal microscopy, cell culture, and biochemical data sets, and collate/organize data sets for statistical analysis.
6. Laboratory maintenance, including working and standard solution preparation, conducting specialized molecular and cellular analytical techniques, including cell culturing, ELISA, Western Blotting, PRC/RT-PCR, etc.
7. Small animal handling, dosing, animal care, major and minor survival surgeries, cranial and peripheral cancer induction and monitoring, peripheral organ, and intracranial surgeries.
8. Small animal irradiation using specialized irradiation equipment.
9. Optimize and conduct BLI and CT scanning techniques for in vivo tracking of tumors.
10. Optimize the performance of computers used for data analysis, animal behavior, confocal microscopy, etc.
11. Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students to perform animal cognitive function studies.
12. Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students to perform cellular and molecular studies using animal and human tissues.
13. Communicate student’s data and design student’s research projects with the PI.
14. Collect and prepare data sets for presentation at scientific conferences.
15. Collect and prepare data sets for scientific publications.

Expectations: Due to the nature of ongoing experiments, flexibility in the work schedule is a must, as some experiments will require work at either abnormal hours or over weekends. Our studies primarily involve analyzing the effects of cancer therapies or accidental radiation exposure models (animals), and applicants should be aware that their job duties will involve extensive animal work (mice and rats).All studies performed will be in accordance with UCI safety and institutional animal (IUCAC) approval standards.

This research position is funded by an NIH award under the direction of Dr. Munjal Acharya.

Required:

• Small animal handling, dosing, and animal care.
• Small animal euthanasia and tissue collection
• Basic cell culture maintenance and experiments
• Basic molecular biology experiments
• Animal behavior monitoring, acquisition, and data analysis using automated video tracking modules
• Small animal imaging, including CT and BLI scans
• Knowledge of collation of data using MS Office, data analysis, and presentation of data
• Ability to train and supervise undergraduate and graduate research students
• A minimum of 1 year of experience Prior experience in animal handling, animal behavior experiments, and animal (mice) injections are required. Experience in immunofluorescence staining, laser scanning confocal microscopy, 3D algorithm-based in silico analyses of confocal z stacks, and basic biochemistry techniques is required. Prior experience in training undergraduate students and data analysis is required

Preferred:

• Small animal cognitive function protocols execution
• Ability to collate and validate data for scientific dissemination

Special Conditions:

• Desired willingness to work flexible hours with work on occasional weekends.

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement:

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.