DESCRIPTION

The Division of Gastroenterology in the Department of Medicine at UC San Diego aims to conduct cutting-edge research in digestive diseases and to promote scholarly investigations, teaching, service and health leadership and training.

Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate will perform cellular and animal lab experiments. Incumbent will independently develop multiple research projects about intestinal microbiota and its relationship with liver disease, will be responsible for self-designing and conducting experiments using various animal models, as well as performing relevant human study analysis. Will generate animal models of alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and primary sclerosing cholangitis by using genetically modified animals, together with the adjusted feeding protocol. Will then perform numerous experiments using molecular biology techniques such as Confocal Immunofluorescence Imaging, immunohistochemistry, FACS, ELISA, Western Blotting, PCR, RT-qPCR, drug treatment on those animals, with the knowledge of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, histology and other related science fields. In addition, incumbent will isolate DNA from Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and NASH patient stools and perform metagenomic sequencing, 16S/ITS sequencing and whole genome sequencing with human samples and further analyze the data with multiple statistical tools. Will independently interpret all the results and eventually generate multiple manuscripts based on the discoveries of these projects. Furthermore, the incumbent will involve the planning, assigning and directing the work of other lab members including visiting scholars and student lab assistants. It also involves training of new hires. Other duties assigned as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, microbiomics and immunology, including relevant laboratory techniques, acquired through a Bachelor's in Biology or related field.

• Ability to analyze next generation sequencing (NGS) data generated from microbiome sequencing and host genomics.

• Experience in fungal, bacterial and viral DNA Sequencing of animal and clinical studies.

• Experience making independent contributions regarding the planning, development, and implementation of studies.

• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills including ability to keep clear and accurate records, organize a varied workload, and give oral presentations on the progress of research.

• Strong ability to prepare and edit scientific papers, manuscripts, and lab data. Experience presenting research to formal audience.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently or collaboratively on a research project. Ability to maintain a high level of motivation to contribute to cutting edge research, and seek and learn new experimental methods as required.

• Demonstrated ability to provide work direction to less senior lab employees. Skill to train others in various lab techniques and procedures (safety precautions, preparation of media, dishwashing, equipment usage, laboratory maintenance, etc.).

• Demonstrated successful, positive interpersonal oral and written communication skills using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Skill to interact effectively with faculty, academics, students, and staff including those of diverse ethnicity, culture, and foreign nationals.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computer based spreadsheet, database, word processing communications and statistical applications (e.g., EXCEL, SPSS, ACCESS, WORD, ENDNOTE, POWER POINT). Willingness and ability to update and increase PC skills and knowledge as needed.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality in matters related to work.

• Experience in cryosections of frozen mouse and human tissues and Immunohistochemistry staining including H-E, Oil red O and fluorescence staining.

• Proven experience and knowledge of proper handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, biochemicals, hazardous chemicals, and biohazardous materials.

• Knowledge and experience of accounting, billing practices, purchasing and reimbursement procedures. Ability to proactively and appropriately facilitate the maintenance of all lab supplies and equipment, maintain steady levels of lab supplies, and organize purchasing records.

• Knowledge and understanding of Cre-lox technology, inducible cre, reporter mice, conitional deletions and KI, KO transgenic technologies.

• Experience in animal blood and tissue collection and in protein work including extract generation from mammalian cells and animal tissues, gel electrophoresis, western blots, immunoprecipitation (IP), RNA or DNA isolation from tissues, RT/PCR, DNA cloning, and histological analysis.

• Experience in regular fungal and bacterial culturing; bacteriophage isolation, purification and amplification; bacteria and phage gavaging to the animals.

• Strong demonstrated experience with research design, protocol development, and qualitative and quantitative research methods to independently address scientific challenges to move the project forward.

• Experience performing cell culture techniques including demonstrated ability working with sterile equipment and supplies.

• Experience in generation of animal model of alcohol-related liver disease by feeding alcohol and animal model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by feeding western diet.

• Advanced knowledge and experience working with and handling mice. Demonstrated knowledge of normal physiological data of mice. Experience with mice husbandry and excellent organizational skills to manage all lab animal work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of UCSD Human Research Protections Program (HRPP/IRB) policies and Procedures.

• Master's or PhD preferred

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to work with cells, bacteriophages, viruses, fungi and bacteria.

• Must be willing to work with genetically modified mice.

• Must be willing to work with tissue processing for histology.

• Must be willing to periodically work evenings and weekends if necessary for experiments.

• Must be willing to work with human tissue.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.