Research Associate - Preclinical Imaging

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); Presencial; USD 68 000 - 90 000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

UCSF Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in San Francisco seeks an In Vivo Research Associate for a 4-month engagement focused on hands-on rodent work and small-animal imaging. You will prepare animals for imaging, administer study materials, and operate in vivo imaging equipment in collaboration with research and drug-discovery teams.

The role requires strong animal handling, tissue collection, and documentation skills.

Qualificações

• BA/BS in a related science with 1+ years of relevant work experience.
• Hands-on rodent handling experience.
• Experience with in vivo imaging and tissue collection preferred.

Responsabilidades

• Participate in execution and documentation of in vivo animal studies.
• Prepare mice and rats for small-animal imaging studies and operate imaging equipment.
• Support imaging procedures, including preparation and administration of materials to animals.
• Contribute to imaging-related study activities and data collection.
• Safely handle and restrain mice and rats and perform dosing procedures.
• Perform tissue collection, preservation, and storage for samples.
• Coordinate study execution with supervisors and drug-discovery stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate research records (hardcopy and electronic).
• Prepare project updates and communicate with research stakeholders.
• Collaborate with research staff and animal-care personnel across teams.
• Assist with SOP development and training of lab members.

Conhecimentos

Rodent handling

In vivo imaging

Dosing

Tissue collection

Record-keeping

Communication

Formação académica

BA/BS in related science

Ferramentas

In vivo imaging equipment

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Description & Requirements

Employment Duration: 4 months

Job Description

The UCSF Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) is dedicated to research focused on neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple system atrophy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer's disease, and prion diseases.

The In Vivo Research Associate - Preclinical Imaging will support research involving rodent models of neurodegenerative disease, with a primary focus on hands-on in vivo animal work and small-animal imaging. Working closely with research, animal-care, and drug-discovery teams, this individual will prepare animals for imaging studies, administer materials to mice, operate in vivo imaging equipment, support imaging-related data activities, and perform specialized rodent procedures.

The position requires strong hands-on experience working with rodent models, including animal handling, restraint, dosing, tissue collection, and research documentation. Experience with PET/MRI imaging is highly desirable but is not required.

Approximately 5-10% of the role may involve ad hoc activities supporting the broader needs of the animal facility and research team.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the execution and documentation of in vivo animal studies supporting neurodegenerative disease and drug-discovery research.
• Prepare mice and rats for small-animal imaging studies and operate in vivo imaging equipment.
• Support imaging procedures, including preparation and administration of study materials to animals.
• Contribute to imaging-related study activities and associated research data.
• Safely handle and restrain mice and rats and perform appropriate rodent dosing procedures.
• Perform tissue collection, preservation, storage, and other sample‑handling activities associated with animal studies.
• Perform technical rodent procedures associated with in vivo research studies.
• Coordinate study execution in consultation with supervisors and relevant drug‑discovery stakeholders.
• Identify potential study issues and communicate concerns promptly to the appropriate supervisor.
• Maintain accurate hardcopy and electronic research and experimental records.
• Prepare project updates and communicate effectively with research stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with research staff, animal‑care personnel, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Support the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures associated with assigned activities.
• Assist with training laboratory members on relevant rodent and in vivo research techniques as appropriate.
• Spend approximately 5-10% of effort supporting ad hoc animal‑facility and research‑team needs, which may include animal care, husbandry, colony maintenance, cage washing, animal‑welfare checks, and other critical activities.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications - BA/BS in a related science and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience following degree completion utilizing techniques or methods relevant to the position; an equivalent combination of education and experience; or, for candidates without a BA/BS, three or more years of relevant experience.
• A few years of hands‑on experience working with rodent models in an in vivo research environment, including experience with tissue handling.
• Experience and proficiency in animal preparation and operation of in vivo imaging systems for small animals, including optical, nuclear, and/or anatomical imaging modalities.
• Full proficiency in rodent and small‑mammal biomethodology, including handling, restraint, and dosing.
• Experience with tissue collection, preservation, and storage.
• Ability to safely and effectively handle mice and rats.
• Ability to coordinate study execution following consultation with relevant drug‑discovery stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work successfully both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary groups.
• Excellent hardcopy and electronic record‑keeping skills.
• Flexibility to orient and work at other UCSF locations (on occasion).
• Preferred Qualifications - Experience with in vivo imaging, particularly PET or PET/MRI small‑animal imaging.
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Experience with aseptic technique, anesthesia, and post‑operative care.
• Experience working safely and efficiently under ABSL1-ABSL2 conditions.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate‑level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10‑campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as https://www.ucsf.edu/about/mission-and-values . In addition to , UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available https://diversity.ucsf.edu/ . Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

EEO Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.