HIV Laboratory Research Associate III - 134033

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under minimal supervision of Lab Manager and Principal Investigators (PIs), incumbent will plan and conduct standardized laboratory procedures for funded research at the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP) and the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR). Duties include making significant innovative contributions pertaining to the design and overall direction of research routine and specialized techniques and ensuring study is adhering to study protocol timelines and deadlines. Perform immunoassays, collect and process (including shipping, receiving, and inventorying) research specimens, perform on-site assays, design and implement new laboratory protocols operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, compile data and conduct analysis, support the preparation of manuscripts, including reviewing and summarizing published literature, writing, editing, and formatting tables and figures, communicate with PIs, co-investigators, research collaborators, and other research staff and attending and contributing to research and planning meetings. Oversees all aspects of the daily operations of the HNRP/CMCR Biomarker Laboratory. Monitor all biomarker laboratory work, provide training/orientation, and conduct educational sessions to other research personnel for updates on equipment safety and other issues (i.e. new equipment training) and documentation of such. Ensure the integrity of laboratory results on all participant visits. Troubleshoot the retrieval of laboratory results with lab personnel and clinicians. Update biosafety related licenses annually. Other special projects as assigned.

• Theoretical knowledge in Psychology, Psychiatry, Neurosciences or other related field or comparable level of knowledge and or experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of separation techniques to isolate CSF cells and lymphocytes from research subject who have neurological disorders and are infected with HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and other pathogens.

• Demonstrated experience to design and engage in difficult and complex research projects making significant innovative contributions pertaining to the design and overall direction of research routine and specialized techniques.

• Advanced experience in a laboratory that collects, processes, stores and assays biological specimens under bio-safety level 2 (or greater) conditions with Universal Precautions and skill using laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, pipettes and safety cabinets.

• Demonstrated knowledge of sterile technique and of universal precautions.

• Must be reliable, responsive, self-motivated, and have excellent attention to detail. Good interpersonal skills for collaborating with co-workers.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

• Advanced experience with collection and analysis of research data, including maintaining confidentiality of personally identifiable and protected health research participant information.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse study population and staff. Cultural competency working with diverse populations including ethnic and cultural minorities, gays and lesbians, people living with HIV, and people recovering from substance abuse.

• Demonstrated skill to operate, maintain, clean, and calibrate laboratory equipment. Able to instruct co-workers on the use of and maintenance of advanced laboratory equipment.

• Advanced experience with computers (Macintosh and PC) and software applications (including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and (preferred) data programs (e.g., JMP, Sybase) and SoftMax Pro.

• Demonstrated experience in overseeing all aspects of the daily operations of the Biomarker Laboratory and experience in monitoring the biomarker laboratory work, providing training/orientation, and conducting educational sessions to other research personnel for updates on equipment safety and other issues; experience in ensuring the integrity of laboratory results on all participant visits, and troubleshooting the retrieval of laboratory results with lab personnel and clinicians.

• Proven ability to prepare manuscripts and other scientific writing.

• Demonstrated experience managing data using computer applications such as Excel, SoftMax Pro, JMP, R stats, NPX, and other software

• Proven ability to perform regular quality assurance checks of laboratory data, specifically proteomics and immunoassay results.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to work in a Biosafety Level II + (BSL 2+) environment.

• Must be willing to work flexible hours and occasional overtime and Saturdays.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.