Staff Research Associate IV

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

The Microinjection Specialist performs advanced technical procedures for the Transgenic Core. The Core provides specialized services to UCSF investigators for the generation and preservation of genetically modified mouse models used to support multidisciplinary biomedical research. This position participates in the planning and execution of projects involving the generation of new mouse models; performs specialized mouse embryo manipulation including collection and culture of mouse embryos, pronuclear and cytoplasmic microinjection, embryo electroporation, embryonic stem (ES) cell injection into blastocysts, embryo cryopreservation and recovery, and embryo transfer; participates in mouse breeding and reproductive procedures; monitors animals for health and welfare; prepares reagents, media, solutions, and specialized tools necessary for Core activities; maintains specialized laboratory instruments and equipment in optimal condition; assists with the development and implementation of new and/or revised embryo manipulation and transgenic technologies; troubleshoots technical procedures and outcomes; maintains accurate project and animal records; and communicates with investigators and LARC staff regarding project requirements, progress, and outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biologic or animal science or other relevant scientific field and 3+ years or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to work to standards required in an AAALAC accredited facility.
Strong written and verbal communications skills which include writing standard operating procedures, communicating rodent health issues and reports, the ability to discuss rodent diagnostic procedures & diseases, and standard treatments. May be required to provide similar support to other species depending on unit needs.
Advanced technical skills with mouse embryo collection, handling, culture, manipulation, or related laboratory techniques.
Either possess or have demonstrated aptitude for quickly obtaining a working knowledge of regulations and animal welfare requirements.
Advanced knowledge and experience in transgenic mouse technology and procedures.
Mandatory participation in department’s occupational health monitoring program and pre-employment medical evaluation is required.

Nice To Haves

AALAS certification: Laboratory Animal Technologist.

Responsibilities

Independently manages the transgenic core for UCSF. Including planning of all technical aspects for planning procedures for generation of new mouse lines. Collects and monitors metrics on outcomes of services.
Provides support including surgical support to the rederivation Core as needed.
Performs duties and provides support to the cryopreservation core.
Communicate lab and health information to researchers
Perform advanced surgical and other technical procedures on rodents and other non-rodent species
Understand and participate in rodent sentinel health or similar programs
Draft SOP’s
Provide training to Lab or LARC staff. Including advanced surgical training to research staff
Understand and perform necropsy techniques and other diagnostic or clinical diagnostic techniques
Understand and perform administrative tasks as needed by LARC
Generally, assist LARC’s animal health and rodent health programs and support LARC veterinarians and UCSF research projects.
Microinjection and Transgenic Core Technical Duties: Experience in advanced technical skills associated with the generation of genetically modified mouse models. Performs specialized embryo manipulation procedures including collection and culture of mouse embryos, pronuclear and cytoplasmic microinjection, embryo electroporation, embryonic stem (ES) cell injection into blastocysts, embryo cryopreservation and recovery, and embryo transfer.
Participates in procedures required for the generation and maintenance of genetically modified mouse lines, including mouse breeding, hormone administration, mating setup, plug checks, monitoring of pregnant females and pups, weaning, animal identification, and tissue collection. Evaluates embryos at appropriate developmental stages and performs embryo handling and micromanipulation using inverted and stereo microscopes and specialized micromanipulation equipment.
Prepares embryo culture media, reagents, solutions, precision glass pipettes, and other materials required for Transgenic Core procedures. Performs ES cell culture and related techniques, including preparation of cells for blastocyst injection and cryopreservation. Performs technical procedures on rodents, including injections, tissue collection, embryo collection, and surgical embryo transfer procedures.
Operates and maintains specialized laboratory equipment, including microscopes, micromanipulators, incubators, centrifuges, pipettes, and liquid nitrogen storage systems. Troubleshoots technical issues related to microinjection, embryo culture, cryopreservation, embryo transfer, and associated procedures. Assists with the development, evaluation, and implementation of new or revised techniques and procedures for genetically modified mouse production.
Performs all technical and animal procedures in accordance with established standard operating procedures, animal welfare requirements, laboratory safety practices, and quality standards. Maintains accurate documentation of procedures and experimental outcomes and communicates technical issues or unexpected results to appropriate LARC personnel.
Communication with Researchers for Project Planning: Responsible for communication with investigators and research staff regarding projects submitted to the Transgenic Core. Reviews project objectives, experimental requirements, timelines, and technical needs associated with the generation of genetically modified mouse models.
Participates in project planning and provides technical guidance regarding appropriate approaches, including microinjection, embryo electroporation, ES cell injection, embryo transfer, cryopreservation, and related procedures. Coordinates project requirements with investigators and LARC staff to facilitate successful project execution.
Provides investigators with project updates, experimental outcomes, and anticipated timelines. Communicates technical challenges or unexpected results that may affect project completion and collaborates with investigators and LARC staff to troubleshoot problems and determine appropriate next steps.
Database Management/ Reporting: Ensures proper and timely reporting of animal records, and supervises the collection of data for recharge billing. Reviews and evaluates complex technical data entered into specialized databases for tracking large amounts of data on breeding and transgenic procedures. Reviews and reports recharges monthly.
Training: Identifies training needs and ensures necessary training is conducted. Develops and maintains training curriculum for Transgenic Core. This requires providing technical knowledge and skills training to staff requiring specialized skills.
Other tasks as needed to support the veterinarian(s), and especially the rodent veterinarian(s) and the AHT unit directed at animal health and welfare or researcher training. Task also may include assisting with research projects when necessary and deemed appropriate by the veterinarian overseeing this position, or the director. Preparation of department communications or newsletters may be assigned as well.
Website maintenance and up-dating may become part of the position.
Training husbandry and research staff.
Presenting power-point presentation to research and LARC staff.
Other tasks require meeting department needs, as assigned.
Appropriate confidentiality within University guidelines concerning research activities is expected.
Work requires participation in University Occupational Health and related programs.
Must accept the potential for exposure to zoonosis and disease from animals.