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 supervision of the PI, the incumbent will work as a Stem Cell Research Associate 1 to perform routine molecular biology techniques such as aiding in maintaining human-derived iPSC colonies, as well as the generation of NPCs, brain organoids and brain assembloids within the Department of Psychiatry. The incumbent will assist PIs and other lab members with studies. Studies will include but are not limited to: 1) General growth, expansion, maintenance, of iPSCs; 2) Generation and characterization of NPCs, neurons, astrocytes, brain organoids and assembloids; 3) Characterization of resultant phenotypes (by molecular, multi-electrode array, and imaging techniques); and 4) Molecular biology techniques involving the isolation of DNA to identify genotype and visualization of phenotypes in the brain; 5) nuclei purification and preparation of libraries for single cell RNAseq and ATAcseq and proteomics. Procedures will include molecular biology (enzymatic extraction of DNA form tissue samples, PCR, gel electrophoresis), histology, light microscopy of sectioned organoids as well as basic molecular and cellular biology techniques (immunohistochemistry of organoid slices, Western blot, and maintenance of biochemistry equipment). Assist with project and other miscellaneous tasks as required by the supervisor and project scientists.

• Theoretical and/or practical knowledge in human pluripotent stem cells and neural differentiation.

• Ability to perform molecular biology techniques including PCR, DNA preparation/extraction, gel electrophoresis.

• Capable of performing biochemistry and laboratory techniques and demonstrated experience to prepare buffers and solutions, as well as various staining solutions.

• Demonstrated experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as Access, MS Word and Excel.

• Proven ability to follow step based experimental protocols.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other staff members, students, faculty and scientists in a multi-cultural lab.

• Experience with general lab maintenance including cleaning, stocking supplies.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to prioritize and perform efficiently.

• Skill and ability to keep accurate data.

• Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.

• Ability to comply to UCSD policies and procedures and to stay informed and comply with basic safety rules and issues.

• Working knowledge of standard molecular biology laboratory protocols (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, immunohistochemistry, etc.); and culturing of human pluripotent stem cells (passing, freezing, differentiating).

• Experience to assist with performing functional analyses and library preparation for single cell RNAseq, single cell ATACseq, proteomics, differentiation marker expression, multi-electrode arrays, CLARITY, immunohistochemistry of organoid slices.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Willingness to work with standard hazardous laboratory compounds.

• Willing to work evenings and weekends when necessary.