Behavioral Pharmacology Research Associate

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry seeks a Behavioral Laboratory Research Associate to conduct behavioral experiments with mice and rats and perform biochemical assays in a pre-clinical setting.

Under supervision, you will document procedures, assist with breeding of transgenic mice, perform rodent surgeries, and help train undergraduate volunteers while maintaining strict lab records and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology or related field.
• Experience handling rats and mice.
• General laboratory and behavioral lab experience.
• Experience with calculating dosages and dissolving chemicals.
• Experience with DOS, Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Experience with ELISAs, DNA/RNA extraction and immunohistochemistry.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of lab personnel.
• Knowledge of mouse breeding colony procedures.
• Stereotaxic surgery experience.
• Ability to anesthetize rodents pre-op and provide post-op care.
• Knowledge of animal care/husbandry practices.
• Experience with data collection software and behavioral testing equipment.
• Knowledge of small animal perfusion.
• General lab safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioral experiments with mice and rats.
• Perform biochemical and molecular assays on tissues.
• Maintain accurate records of testing and euthanasia.
• Process tissue for assays (blood, organs, brain).
• Weigh and dissolve drugs, weigh animals as instructed.
• Assist with breeding of transgenic mouse lines.
• Use LabChart, Med Associates, San Diego Instruments, Noldus software.
• Assist training of undergraduate volunteers and visiting scholars.
• Perform rodent surgeries as directed, including cannula placement.
• Maintain lab cleanliness and assist supervisor with tasks.

Skills

Animal handling

Behavioral testing

ELISAs

DNA/RNA extraction

Immunohistochemistry

Stereotaxic surgery

Lab safety

Record keeping

Mice breeding

Drug administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology or related field

Tools

LabChart

Med Associates

San Diego Instruments

Noldus

Windows

Job description

UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry seeks a Behavioral Laboratory Research Associate to conduct behavioral experiments with mice and rats and perform biochemical assays in a pre-clinical setting.

Under supervision, you will document procedures, assist with breeding of transgenic mice, perform rodent surgeries, and help train undergraduate volunteers while maintaining strict lab records and safety standards.