Staff Research Associate IV

UCSF Health, AG; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF Health, AG seeks a Microinjection Specialist to lead advanced technical procedures for the Transgenic Core. The role involves planning and executing generation of new mouse models, performing embryo collection and microinjection, embryo transfer, cryopreservation, and ES cell work, while maintaining records and communicating project updates.

Responsibilities include surgical support, rodent health monitoring, protocol development, and staff training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biologic or animal science or equivalent.
• AAALAC accreditation standards knowledge preferred.
• Advanced technical skills in mouse embryo collection, handling, culture and manipulation.
• Experience with transgenic mouse technology and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute generation of new mouse models and embryo manipulation procedures.
• Perform mouse embryo collection, microinjection, electroporation, ES cell injection, cryopreservation and embryo transfer.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment used in microinjection and embryo culture.
• Recordkeeping for procedures, outcomes, and billing; communicate with investigators.
• Provide training and support to lab staff and researchers.
• Draft SOPs and assist with project planning and communication with researchers.

Skills

Embryo handling

Microinjection

Embryo culture

Cryopreservation

Surgical support

Documentation

AAALAC

Education

Bachelor's degree in biologic or animal science

Tools

Microscopes

Micromanipulators

ES cell culture

Job description

Job Summary

The Microinjection Specialist [NT1] performs advanced technical procedures for the Transgenic Core. The Core provides specialized services to UCSF investigators for the generation and preservation of genetically modified mouse models used to support multidisciplinary biomedical research. This position participates in the planning and execution of projects involving the generation of new mouse models; performs specialized mouse embryo manipulation including collection and culture of mouse embryos, pronuclear and cytoplasmic microinjection, embryo electroporation, embryonic stem (ES) cell injection into blastocysts, embryo cryopreservation and recovery, and embryo transfer; participates in mouse breeding and reproductive procedures; monitors animals for health and welfare; prepares reagents, media, solutions, and specialized tools necessary for Core activities; maintains specialized laboratory instruments and equipment in optimal condition; assists with the development and implementation of new and/or revised embryo manipulation and transgenic technologies; troubleshoots technical procedures and outcomes; maintains accurate project and animal records; and communicates with investigators and LARC staff regarding project requirements, progress, and outcomes.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Independently manages the transgenic [NT2] core for UCSF. Including planning of all technical aspects for planning procedures for generation of new [NT3] mouse lines. Collects and monitors metrics on outcomes of services [NT4].
• Provides support including surgical support to the rederivation Core as needed.
• Performs duties and provides support to the cryopreservation core.
• Communicate lab and health information to researchers
• Perform advanced surgical and other technical procedures on rodents and other non-rodent species
• Understand and participate in rodent sentinel health or similar programs
• Draft SOP's
• Provide training to Lab or LARC staff. Including advanced surgical training to research staff
• Understand and perform necropsy techniques and other diagnostic or clinical diagnostic techniques
• Understand and perform administrative tasks as needed by LARC
• Generally, assist LARC's animal health and rodent health programs and support LARC veterinarians and UCSF research projects.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

• Microinjection and Transgenic Core Technical Duties
• Experience in advanced technical skills associated with the generation of genetically modified mouse models. Performs specialized embryo manipulation procedures including collection and culture of mouse embryos, pronuclear and cytoplasmic microinjection, embryo electroporation, embryonic stem (ES) cell injection into blastocysts, embryo cryopreservation and recovery, and embryo transfer.
• Participates in procedures required for the generation and maintenance of genetically modified mouse lines, including mouse breeding, hormone administration, mating setup, plug checks, monitoring of pregnant females and pups, weaning, animal identification, and tissue collection. Evaluates embryos at appropriate developmental stages and performs embryo handling and micromanipulation using inverted and stereo microscopes and specialized micromanipulation equipment.
• Prepares embryo culture media, reagents, solutions, precision glass pipettes, and other materials required for Transgenic Core procedures. Performs ES cell culture and related techniques, including preparation of cells for blastocyst injection and cryopreservation. Performs technical procedures on rodents, including injections, tissue collection, embryo collection, and surgical embryo transfer procedures.
• Operates and maintains specialized laboratory equipment, including microscopes, micromanipulators, incubators, centrifuges, pipettes, and liquid nitrogen storage systems. Troubleshoots technical issues related to microinjection, embryo culture, cryopreservation, embryo transfer, and associated procedures. Assists with the development, evaluation, and implementation of new or revised techniques and procedures for genetically modified mouse production.
• Performs all technical and animal procedures in accordance with established standard operating procedures, animal welfare requirements, laboratory safety practices, and quality standards. Maintains accurate documentation of procedures and experimental outcomes and communicates technical issues or unexpected results to appropriate LARC personnel.
• Communication with Researchers for Project Planning
• Responsible for communication with investigators and research staff regarding projects submitted to the Transgenic Core. Reviews project objectives, experimental requirements, timelines, and technical needs associated with the generation of genetically modified mouse models.
• Participates in project planning and provides technical guidance regarding appropriate approaches, including microinjection, embryo electroporation, ES cell injection, embryo transfer, cryopreservation, and related procedures. Coordinates project requirements with investigators and LARC staff to facilitate successful project execution.
• Provides investigators with project updates, experimental outcomes, and anticipated timelines. Communicates technical challenges or unexpected results that may affect project completion and collaborates with investigators and LARC staff to troubleshoot problems and determine appropriate next steps.
• Database Management/ Reporting:
• Ensures proper and timely reporting of animal records, and supervises the collection of data for recharge billing. Reviews and evaluates complex technical data entered into specialized databases for tracking large amounts of data on breeding and transgenic procedures. Reviews and reports recharges monthly.
• Training:
• Identifies training needs and ensures necessary training is conducted. Develops and maintains training curriculum for Transgenic Core. This requires providing technical knowledge and skills training to staff requiring specialized skills.
• Other tasks as needed to support the veterinarian(s), and especially the rodent veterinarian(s), and the AHT unit directed at animal health and welfare or researcher training. Task also may include assisting with research projects when necessary and deemed appropriate by the veterinarian overseeing this position, or the director. Preparation of department communications or newsletters may be assigned as well.
• Website maintenance and up-dating may become part of the position.
• Training husbandry and research staff.
• Presenting power-point presentation to research and LARC staff.
• Other tasks require meeting department needs, as assigned.
• Appropriate confidentiality within University guidelines concerning research activities is expected.
• Work requires participation in University Occupational Health and related programs.
• Must accept the potential for exposure to zoonosis and disease from animals.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biologic or animal science or other relevant scientific field and 3+ years or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work to standards required in an AAALAC accredited facility.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills which include writing standard operating procedures, communicating rodent health issues and reports, the ability to discuss rodent diagnostic procedures & diseases, and standard treatments. May be required to provide similar support to other species depending on unit needs.
• Advanced technical skills with mouse embryo collection, handling, culture, manipulation, or related laboratory techniques.
• Either possess or have demonstrated aptitude for quickly obtaining a working knowledge of regulations and animal welfare requirements.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in transgenic mouse technology and procedures.
• Mandatory participation in department's occupational health monitoring program and pre-employment medical evaluation is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• AALAS certification: Laboratory Animal Technologist.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biologic or animal science or other relevant scientific field and 3+ years or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work to standards required in an AAALAC accredited facility.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills which include writing standard operating procedures, communicating rodent health issues and reports, the ability to discuss rodent diagnostic procedures & diseases, and standard treatments. May be required to provide similar support to other species depending on unit needs.
• Advanced technical skills with mouse embryo collection, handling, culture, manipulation, or related laboratory techniques.
• Either possess or have demonstrated aptitude for quickly obtaining a working knowledge of regulations and animal welfare requirements.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in transgenic mouse technology and procedures.
• Mandatory participation in department's occupational health monitoring program and pre-employment medical evaluation is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• AALAS certification: Laboratory Animal Technologist.