Research Associate – Preclinical Imaging

University of California, San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

The UCSF Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) conducts research on neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple system atrophy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and prion diseases. The In Vivo Research Associate – Preclinical Imaging supports research involving rodent models of neurodegenerative disease, with an emphasis on hands-on animal work and small-animal imaging. Working with research, animal-care, and drug-discovery teams, the associate prepares animals for imaging studies, administers materials to mice, operates in vivo imaging equipment, supports imaging-related data activities, and performs specialized rodent procedures. The role requires practical experience in rodent handling, restraint, dosing, tissue collection, and research documentation. PET/MRI experience is highly desirable but not required. Approximately 5–10% of the role may involve ad hoc support for the animal facility and research team.

Requirements

BA/BS in a related science and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience following degree completion using relevant techniques or methods; an equivalent combination of education and experience; or, without a BA/BS, three or more years of relevant experience.
A few years of hands-on experience working with rodent models in an in vivo research environment, including tissue handling.
Experience and proficiency in animal preparation and operation of small-animal in vivo imaging systems, including optical, nuclear, and/or anatomical imaging modalities.
Full proficiency in rodent and small-mammal biomethodology, including handling, restraint, and dosing.
Experience with tissue collection, preservation, and storage.
Ability to safely and effectively handle mice and rats.
Ability to coordinate study execution following consultation with relevant drug-discovery stakeholders.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work successfully independently and collaboratively.
Ability to work effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary groups.
Excellent hardcopy and electronic record-keeping skills.
Flexibility to orient and work at other UCSF locations on occasion.

Nice To Haves

Experience with in vivo imaging, particularly PET or PET/MRI small-animal imaging.
Valid California driver's license.
Experience with aseptic technique, anesthesia, and post-operative care.
Experience working safely and efficiently under ABSL1–ABSL2 conditions.

Responsibilities

Participate in the execution and documentation of in vivo animal studies supporting neurodegenerative disease and drug-discovery research.
Prepare mice and rats for small-animal imaging studies and operate in vivo imaging equipment.
Support imaging procedures, including preparing and administering study materials to animals.
Contribute to imaging-related study activities and associated research data.
Safely handle and restrain mice and rats and perform appropriate rodent dosing procedures.
Perform tissue collection, preservation, storage, and other sample-handling activities associated with animal studies.
Perform technical rodent procedures associated with in vivo research studies.
Coordinate study execution in consultation with supervisors and relevant drug-discovery stakeholders.
Identify potential study issues and promptly communicate concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
Maintain accurate hardcopy and electronic research and experimental records.
Prepare project updates and communicate effectively with research stakeholders.
Work collaboratively with research staff, animal-care personnel, and multidisciplinary teams.
Support the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures associated with assigned activities.
Assist with training laboratory members on relevant rodent and in vivo research techniques as appropriate.
Spend approximately 5–10% of effort supporting ad hoc animal-facility and research-team needs, potentially including animal care, husbandry, colony maintenance, cage washing, animal-welfare checks, and other critical activities.