Research Assistant - Medicine - 139453

The Department of Medicine (DOM) is the largest department within the UCSD School of Medicine and is responsible for fulfilling the teaching, research and clinical missions of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. The department employs approximately 500 salaried faculty, 168 academic appointees, 331 residents, fellows and postdocs and 480 staff personnel.

The Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Care aims to optimize the experience of aging and improve care for individuals with serious illness through excellence in clinical care, inspired teaching and transformative research. The Division is ranked 11th out of more than 1,500 national programs in U.S. News & World Report. It also leads the San Diego Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (AD-RCMAR), a partnership between UCSD and SDSU, which aims to enhance the diversity of the aging research workforce by providing mentorship to scientists from underrepresented groups for careers in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) relevant research. Additionally, the AD-RCMAR fosters research aimed at understanding and addressing risk factors and developing interventions to reduce ADRD disparities and enhance healthy cognitive aging in diverse populations.

The Division also works closely with the longstanding UC San Diego Stein Institute for Research on Aging and Center for Healthy Aging, which are dedicated to the development and application of the latest advances in biomedical & behavioral science knowledge to issues of successful, healthy aging and the prevention and reduction of the burden of disability and disease.Under supervision, will assist with experiments, make observations, and record experimental results relating to the research projects. Use basic cell biology lab techniques to assist in the processing of blood cell components for downstream analyses. Assist in the preparation of laboratory buffers and reagents for use in epigenetics assays. Assist with epigenetics data acquisition, recording, and analysis. Perform basic blood handling techniques such as automated cell counting, centrifugation, cell freezing, and bio-repository inventory. Maintain lab records, and order supplies on an as needed basis.

• Theoretical knowledge of biochemistry, cell biology including basic immune function as acquired through a bachelor's degree in biology and related class/laboratory experience.

• Previous experience working in the area of epigenetics.

• Willingness to follow step-wise experimental protocols.

• Ability to use basic laboratory equipment including centrifuges, balances, pH meters, Coulter counter, pipettors, and -80 Freezers.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Demonstrated organizational skills as they relate to maintaining lab equipment and supplies.

• Willingness to work with other staff members, students, faculty etc.

• Ability to work with human blood samples; cell isolation, cell counting.

• Experience with data analysis using Excel and Prism software.

• Experience working with basic biohazards including human blood and tissue and adhering to established guidelines for safety and environmental issues.

• Experience working in wet laboratory with DNA/RNA isolations.

• Experience working in conducting qualitative interviews.

• Ability to work with older adult research participants and have general knowledge of geriatric psychiatry, successful aging, or gerontology.

• Theoretical knowledge of normal and dysfunctional epigenetics signatures to aid in the design and interpretation of experiments on this function.

• Theoretical knowledge of biochemistry, cellular, molecular biology.

• Theoretical knowledge of multivitamin and mineral supplementation and aging biology.

• Must have access to reliable transportation and be willing to travel off-site to conduct interviews.

• Must be willing to work occasional overtime or flexible schedule.

• Must have completed (or be willing to complete) training in the responsible conduct of human research.