Cell Culture Lab Technician - 136096

In 2022, businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford committed $150 million to the creation of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego. This gift combines current infrastructure with new Centers intended to leverage the advantages of space-based science, including expansion and, in some ways, quite literally launch stem cell research and regenerative medicine at UC San Diego into new spaces, endeavors, and training of future stem cell scientists.

Sanford Stem Cell Institute provides essential physical and human resources needed to leverage stem cell research currently being conducted at UC San Diego. Due to the complexity of regenerative medicine projects and substantial institutional investment, daily Sanford Stem Cell Institute personnel work with all 9 Vice Chancellor areas: Academic Affairs; Research Affairs; Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Student Affairs; Marine Sciences; Health Sciences; Health System; Chief Financial Officer; Advancement; Resource Management and Planning.

As part of UC San Diego, Sanford Stem Cell Institute motivates University-wide change, sustainability, and partnership, focusing on creating the structure under which various innovative regenerative medicine units and initiatives are developed.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute builds upon a $100 million gift in 2013 from T. Denny Sanford that established UC San Diego as a leader in developing and delivering the therapeutic promise of human stem cells - special cells with the ability to develop into many different cell types and which, when modified and repurposed, have the potential to treat, remedy or cure a vast array of conditions and diseases.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute includes six (6) stem cell Centers led by Center Directors and Deputy Directors and one (1) Brain Tumor and Neuro-Restoration Program.

1. Sanford Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) Center, for stem cell research that will be conducted in a laboratory bay located aboard the International Space Station currently in low-Earth orbit.

2. Sanford Stem Cell Fitness and Space Medicine Center, which conducts in-depth space fitness and orbital medicine that can benefit both astronauts and people living on Earth.

3. Sanford Stem Cell Innovation Center, which will support regenerative medicine company development, including contract research in low-Earth orbit.

4. Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center, which conducts basic and translational stem cell research.

5. Sanford Advanced Therapy Center, which provides fundamental tools and services to move basic research findings to next stages, such as early phase trials.

6. Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, which conducts research to accelerate relevant drug and therapy development in regenerative medicine, including clinical trials.

Under the supervision of the Center Director and with the assistance of the Project Scientist, the incumbent performs lab procedures and sample preparation in support of the PIs' research program, including (but not limited to) maintenance of cell cultures, organoids culture, support in the NASA missions, and monitor the quality/ contamination of the 2D and 3D cultures. Other specific duties include performing experimental assays (tissue analysis) at the biochemical level and data analysis of generated results. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and one year of laboratory experience or one year of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Familiarity with assisting in procedures such as sterile techniques, DNA and RNA preparation, tissue culture, PCR amplification.

• Skill and knowledge to maintain an organized lab, stocks and orders of essential supplies and reagents, and to ensure lab equipment is running efficiently.

• Experience with and understanding of basic laboratory equipment.

• Prior experience and knowledge of proper handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, and patience in dealing with students, faculty, staff, and corporate/industrial representatives.

• Experience, measuring and weighing chemicals, preparing solutions and serial dilutions; and knowledge and ability to prepare a variety of reagents, media, and buffers.

• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills to communicate research results.

• Proficient with computer software, with an ability to work with a variety of computer applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Photoshop) and with a willingness and ability to increase skills and knowledge as needed.

• Knowledge of culturing and differentiating hiPSCs.

• Must be willing to handle and be around hazardous chemicals and materials.

• Must be willing to maintain hiPSC and derived cultures.

• Must be willing to work occasional evenings or weekends as required.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.