What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructional Labs Staff Research Associate position at UC San Diego?
#122932 Instructional Labs Staff Research Associate
Filing Deadline: Mon 5/15/2023UC San Diego values equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
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UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 5/3/23 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 5/15/23. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DESCRIPTION
This is a non-research related position working with a team of laboratory staff to prepare materials for the Instructional Laboratories in the School of Biological Sciences. This position will provide technical support for various lab courses depending on scheduling needs.
Under supervision of the School’s Instructional Labs Operations Manager, the position will involve supporting the operations and administration of the Biology Undergraduate labs (BioUGL), assisting with the development of new courses, and course support for any lab courses at BioUGL, including upcoming labs involving Flow Cytometry and Mass Spectrometry.
Duties to include the following: ordering supplies and equipment, keeping track of lab inventory, implementing new methods of organizing and operating instructional labs, partnering with faculty to implement curricular enhancement; recommending modifications to lab facilities and coordinating repairs; monitoring lab supplies and resources; assisting with forecasting, estimating, reporting, and monitoring lab class budgets of approximately $350,000 annually; ensuring sufficient inventory and ordering supplies; and ensuring compliance with safety regulation. Partner with Instructional Lab Operations Manager to provide technical oversight for School instructional labs. Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of general biology, molecular biology, and molecular biology acquired through a BS degree or higher in Biology or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.
Proven ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentage calculations by hand or calculator. Must be able to calculate molarities, normalities and percentages.
Knowledge of laboratory safety rules and regulations, Safety Data Sheets and safety precautions, including safe handling, proper storage and disposal of biohazardous, radioactive materials, chemicals, radioisotopes, and biologicals; and use of lab safety equipment. Familiarity with a Chemical Hygiene Plan addressing safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, use of proper protective equipment (PPE).
Proven skill to care for animals in accordance with university regulations. Sensitivity to the needs of caged laboratory animals, skill and knowledge to apply principles of sanitizing and disinfecting animal cages, and basic skills in veterinary procedures in compliance with AAALAC standards.
Demonstrated skills and ability to work independently, under deadlines, frequent interruptions and shifting priorities, using good judgment; with the acumen to identify those issues which require consultation at a higher level.
Experience with the use of a variety of microscopes, electrophoresis apparatuses, spectrophotometers, micromanipulators, centrifuges, DNA cycler, various types of incubators, tissue culture equipment, colony counter, low gyratory water bath, autoclave, and dishwasher, with the ability to troubleshoot problems and perform minor repairs. Ability to learn operation of new equipment if necessary.
Solid interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty and staff. Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with faculty, students, and staff using tact, diplomacy and discretion. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and interact effectively with others in the scientific community.
Computer skills to enter, modify, retrieve and print computerized inventory records using software such as Excel or Quartzy, and the willingness and ability to update and increase computer skills and knowledge as needed. Skill, knowledge, and ability with Windows OS and a variety of standard business software including system and networking software, Microsoft Office suite, email, and a variety of web-based programs, browsers. Willingness and ability to update and increase skills as needed to meet the goals of the unit and the School.
Knowledge and ability to develop budgets for individual lab courses and control and monitor expenses.
Knowledge of a variety of experimental techniques including: tissue culture manipulation and maintenance of cell lines; physiological recordings; standard molecular and biochemical techniques such as gel electrophoresis and PCR; and fluorescent microscopes and imaging systems. Ability to demonstrate and train these techniques in an instructional setting. Demonstrated experience to accurately prepare complex solutions, plates, media, etc., using aseptic techniques.
Strong knowledge of a variety of specialized laboratory equipment. Demonstrated advanced experience in the use of lab instruments such as: Mass Spectrometer, Flow Cytometer. Willingness and ability to quickly learn new types of equipment whenever new experiments are added. Ability to train technical staff, students, and IAs in the proper use of all lab instruments.
Demonstrated ability to read and understand equipment manuals to troubleshoot malfunctions in lab instruments. Skills and knowledge to perform simple repairs, such as replacing fuses, bulbs, adjusting moving parts, soldering connectors, etc.
Knowledge and skill to handle and care for animal subjects such as rats, frogs, leeches, and/or worms and have the knowledge and ability to prepare all for lab use as needed or directed.
Experience demonstrating standard laboratory procedures and techniques to participants of laboratory courses. Good presentation skills and ability to explain procedures to groups of people with various science and lab backgrounds is necessary.
Strong abilities to conduct and report on scientific experiments and findings. Demonstrated ability to read, comprehend, and analyze scientific literature and to adapt research techniques for instructional labs.
Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.
Demonstrated ability to provide work direction to casual workers and other support staff as well as the ability to delegate tasks to lab assistants/student helpers. Skill to train others in basic lab support techniques and procedures (preparation of media, dishwashing, equipment usage, etc.).
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Must be able to work evenings and weekends, depending on the quarter's schedule of classes.
Work schedule may change from quarter to quarter.
Must be willing to work with animals and perform animal euthanasia.
Must be willing to work with biohazardous materials, radioisotopes, and biologicals.
Must have a valid driver's license.
Must be able to lift/move up to 50 lbs.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $56,527 - $90,930 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $27.07 - $43.55
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).
Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Salary : $56,527 - $64,960
