Staff Research Associate - 136155

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with approximately 250 Faculty, 127 postdoctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) along with over 320 support staff (not including hospital staff). In addition, the Department has 68 clinical residents distributed across the Divisions. The missions of research, education and patient care are intertwined, and are integral to the goals of the department.

The Department manages a university-affiliated children's health system with the physicians and leadership of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady Children's Hospital, and Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego, a Medical Practice Foundation, unifying pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs.

Cardiovascular disease stands as the leading cause of death globally and within the United States. Despite its prevalence, the development of effective therapeutics lags behind, with current medications primarily targeting symptoms rather than the underlying molecular causes. The Briganti Lab is dedicated to advancing cardiovascular disease research by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as stem cell and genome editing, functional genomics, and phenotypic models. Our goal is to unveil distinct disease mechanisms associated with cardiovascular conditions and develop precise, mechanism-based therapeutics. We strive to realize the vision of "treating the right patient with the right drug at the right time."

Under supervision, the primary responsibility of this role will be to assist with the differentiation and maintenance human cardiomyocytes as part of our ongoing research efforts. The incumbent will assist with cell culture, specifically with human pluripotent stem cells. The Staff Research Associate exercises strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

* Perform cell culture techniques, with a focus on differentiating and maintaining human cardiomyocytes.

* Prepare reagents, solutions, and media, including dilutions and buffer preparation.

* Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, observations, and results using electronic lab notes - benchling.

* Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth workflow and collaboration.

* Assist with other laboratory tasks and experiments as needed.

General laboratory activities will include helping to maintain lab organization and record keeping, ordering reagents and supplies when needed, troubleshooting experimental design and equipment, attending lab meetings, helping to train undergraduate research trainees, and maintaining a safe work environment according to EH&S, state, and federal standards.

• Theoretical knowledge in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or other related field or comparable level of knowledge and experience.

• Demonstrated experience of laboratory work with a good understanding of all the components of successful operation of a genetics and molecular biology lab.

• Proven ability in computer skills, including Office and Excel and Powerpoint.

• Demonstrated ability to take direction, be detail oriented and follow step-wise instruction.

• Knowledge of PCR, RT-PCR, and qPCR methodologies.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team in a deadline-driven environment; good communication skills.

• Proven ability to work with a large number of samples with accuracy and efficiency.

• Punctual, diligent, and highly organized work ethic.

• Experience with RNA and DNA extraction techniques.

• Prior cell culture experience is required; experience with human pluripotent stem cells is preferred.

• Demonstrated proficiency in dilutions and buffer preparation techniques.

• Knowledge of Western blotting techniques.

• Commitment to following laboratory safety protocols and procedures.

• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

• Familiarity with the UCSD ordering and purchasing systems.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Must be willing to vary work schedule to accommodate research needs.
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings or weekends as required.
• Must be willing and able to work with biohazardous materials.