Histology Research Associate - 133608

The Moores Cancer Center is one of just 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD: encompassing 14 departments (12 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 3 professional schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University, and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology. These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future-oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy of career-path development for its employees including opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries, and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerated discovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

The Histology Research Associate (HRA) will conduct histological procedures in accordance with laboratory requirements. Duties include tissue accessioning, processing, embedding, sectioning (FFPE & Frozen) and staining on a daily basis. The incumbent will help maintain laboratory inventory and equipment daily checks, and will report any equipment malfunction to laboratory manager. The incumbent will follow standard operating procedure and will maintains laboratory environmental health and safety activities, including chemical and biological waste disposal. The incumbent will coordinate all activities related to clinical research including serving as the principal administrative liaison for the project and ensuring communication with Biorepository staff. In addition, the incumbent will assist with billing on a monthly basis. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge in biology, chemistry, histology and immunohistochemistry or a related field as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience cutting frozen and paraffin sections for histology.

• Experience performing hematoxylin and eosin stains on paraffin or frozen sections.

• Knowledge in histology, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry techniques.

• Experience performing immunohistochemistry assays after protocol review.

• Experience using balance, processor, embedder, microtome, cryostat and light and epifluorescence microscopes. Comfortable and able to navigate new technology as the laboratory upgrades equipment.

• Experience performing special stains on paraffin or frozen sections, using adipose tissue as positive control.

• Experience calculating and preparing chemical solutions accurately.

• Knowledge in basic math for maintaining ledgers, income and expenditures reports.

• Knowledge in the operation of a personal computer, including Access, MS Word and Excel.

  *Good communication skills (both verbal and written) to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as to effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.

• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory safety procedures involved in working with hazardous chemicals and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment. Ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

• Ability to learn and carry out new experimental procedures with accuracy and efficiency. Must be able to follow step wise experimental protocols.

• Skill and ability to keep accurate data. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Good organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.

• Experience to write Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for using laboratory equipment following the manual instructions. Experience to instruct personnel with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for routine workflow processes.

• Experience to train and instruct new staff, students assistant and volunteers with laboratory standards. Experience providing one-on-one training session for tissue grossing, tissue processing and tissue sectioning.

• Demonstrated knowledge of chemical and biological waste disposal.

• Histotechnician (HT)/Histotechnologist (HTL) from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous material and potential carcinogens.

• Must be willing and able to work with human and rodent samples.