Neurodegeneration Researcher – 126895 - LaJolla, United States - University of California, San Diego

Description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 12/4/2023 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 12/13/2023. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), incumbent will perform independent research as a 'Neurodegeneration Researcher' for a Neurosciences laboratory focusing on experiments using rodent models of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Research will involve electrophysiology experiments in different neuronal preparations (acute slices, organotypic hippocampal slices and dissociated neurons) as well as live fluorescence imaging experiments and immunohistochemistry. The incumbent will prepare acute brain slices and cultured slices and neurons for their experiments and other lab members. Electrophysiology includes intracellular and extracellular recordings using different combinations of stimulating and recording electrodes. Live fluorescence imaging requires the use of a two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope and specific data analysis methods. Responsibilities will include experimental design and troubleshooting. Incumbent will select specific methods to achieve the objectives. Other experiments might involve molecular biology and biochemical analysis of proteins.

Incumbent will design and execute experiments to further understand the role of PSD-95 and other synaptic scaffolding proteins in the protection of dendritic spines affected by Alzheimer's disease in order to meet existing grant objectives/milestones and other funding objectives that support Alzheimer's disease research. Incumbent will manage and coordinate research efforts with other collaborators as appropriate for multidisciplinary research.

Incumbent will conduct research projects based on reviews of scientific literature and recent advances in related fields, organizing and executing all techniques involved. Additional responsibilities to include train technicians and students to enable them to successfully participate in laboratory projects, and perform other duties as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge in neurosciences, brain slice electrophysiology, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with live fluorescence imaging, confocal microscopy and image analysis methods.
• Ability to perform independent scientific inquiry for multi-disciplinary research projects.
• Experience in electrophysiology and acute brain slice preparation in rodents.
• Knowledge and experience in technical competence in a wide variety of data processing and analysis techniques.
• Experience in electrophysiological techniques including intracellular whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in cortical and hippocampal slices in rodents.
• Demonstrated ability to independently contribute to experimental design, analysis and interpretation of results.
• Experience in analysis of synaptic plasticity experiments.
• Working knowledge of standard research animal-use protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions, analyze situations, solve problems, and initiate actions foreffective research. Analytical and critical thinking skills to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Knowledge and experience in technical writing and demonstrated ability to write and/ or assist with writing of manuscripts forpublication. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.
• Excellent time management and demonstrated organizational and multi-tasking skills. Ability to establish priorities, meet multiple and frequently changing deadlines with flexible schedule to complete experiments/projects.
• Experience in electrophysiological acquisition and analysis software pClamp/Clampfi, Igor and MiniAnalyis.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work well independently or in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, faculty, researchers, and other lab personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, experience as a project leader, ability to follow through on assignments, and anticipate, identify, and analyze problems and resolve or recommend course of action for resolution as appropriate.
• Detail oriented, highly efficient, productive, and collaborative with mentoring skills.
• Knowledge of basic lab safety requirements/procedures; EH&S regulations and methods for handling, clean-up, and waste disposal for biohazardous materials.
• Strong computer skills using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, statview on Apple and PC, email system, and a variety of web-based programs. Demonstrated ability to create and maintain databases and learn new programs and applications with minimal direction. Demonstrated commitment to update/maintain technology skills with relevant computer software.
• Experience in drug discovery and drug screening platforms.
• Must be willing to work with biohazardous materials.
• Must be willing to work with rodents.
• Must be willing to work flexible schedule in order to complete experiments as necessary.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $58,548 – $94,190 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $28.04 – $45.11

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational – or "bench-to-bedside" – research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team

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