Lab Assistant I (Part-Time)

University of California, Irvine•Irvine, CA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

This research position will be funded by PI’s current extramural awards (NIH, CIRM, or Department of Defense). 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 execute several specialized skills in Neuroscience research.

Requirements

Small animal handling, dosing, and animal care.
Small animal cognitive function protocols execution
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
Ability to collate and validate data for scientific dissemination
Prior experience in training undergraduate students and data analysis.
Experience in immunofluorescence staining, laser scanning confocal microscopy, 3D algorithm-based in silico analyses of confocal z stacks, and basic biochemistry techniques.
A prior experience in animal handling, animal behavior experiments, and animal (mice) injections.

Nice To Haves

Desired willingness to work flexible hours with work occasional weekends

Responsibilities

In consultation with PI and senior lab members, conduct step-by-step optimization of animal behavior protocol
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.)
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.
Intra-cardiac perfusion of animal tissues, cryo-preservation, and sectioning using cryo-stat.
Collection and analysis of animal behavior, confocal microscopy, cell culture, and biochemical data sets, and collate/organize data sets for statistical analysis.
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.
Small animal handling, dosing, animal care, major and minor survival surgeries, including peripheral organ and intracranial surgeries.
Small animal irradiation using specialized irradiation equipment.
Optimize and conduct BLI and CT scanning techniques for in vivo tracking of tumors.
Optimize the performance of computers used for data analysis, animal behavior, confocal microscopy, etc.
Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students to perform animal cognitive function studies.
Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students to perform cellular and molecular studies using animal and human tissues.
Communicate student’s data and design student’s research projects with the PI.
Collect and prepare data sets for presentation at scientific conferences.
Collect and prepare data sets for scientific publications.