Research Associate – Preclinical Imaging

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

8d•$36 - $49

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 Research Associate will support studies using rodent models of neurodegenerative disease, focusing on hands-on in vivo animal work and small-animal imaging. Working with research, animal-care, and drug-discovery teams, the associate will prepare animals for imaging, administer study materials, operate in vivo imaging equipment, support imaging-related data activities, and perform specialized rodent procedures. Approximately 5–10% of the role may involve ad hoc support for animal-facility and research-team needs. The role requires hands-on experience with rodent models, including animal handling, restraint, dosing, tissue collection, and research documentation. Experience with PET/MRI imaging is highly desirable but not required. The position also involves maintaining accurate records, coordinating study execution with stakeholders, communicating project updates and concerns, supporting Standard Operating Procedure development and revision, and assisting with training laboratory members as appropriate.

Requirements

BA/BS in a related science and at least one year of recent, directly related work experience after degree completion using relevant techniques or methods; an equivalent combination of education and experience; or, for candidates without a BA/BS, at least three 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 preparing animals and operating 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 after consultation with relevant drug-discovery stakeholders.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to work 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

Execute and document 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 preparation and administration of 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.
Collect, preserve, and store tissue and perform 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.
Collaborate with research staff, animal-care personnel, and multidisciplinary teams.
Support 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.