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.

This work will be performed in a behavioral experimental laboratory within the Department of Psychiatry, which focuses mainly on behavioral pharmacology in animals as related to Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and other psychiatric illnesses.

Under supervision, the incumbent will work as a Research Associate, conducting multiple types of behavioral experiments with mice and rats as well as biochemical and molecular assays on animal and human tissues within the Department of Psychiatry. The technician will also maintain accurate records of testing and euthanize mice and rats as instructed. The technician will be required to document and use procedures to weigh and dissolve drugs, weigh animals and administer drugs, assist the lab manager with breeding of transgenic mouse lines, perform record keeping of mouse breeding, process animal tissue for assays (e.g., blood, organs, or brain), perform standard laboratory assays such as ELISAs, DNA/RNA extraction and immunohistochemistry, collect and sort data using specialized software on lab computers, and maintain neat and accurate records. The technician will assist with conducting a variety of rodent surgeries as directed, including stereotaxic placement of cannula and probes, implantations of cranial magnets, osmotic minipumps and telemetry probes, and stereotaxic infusions. Finally, assisting in maintaining lab cleanliness and preparing the lab for EH&S and IACUC inspections will be required, as will assisting the supervisor with tasks as required.

• Theoretical knowledge of Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology or other related field as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated experience handling rats and mice (restraining, eartagging, injections, etc.).

• General laboratory and animal behavioral testing lab experience.

• Experience with calculating dosages and dissolving a variety of chemicals.

• Experience with DOS, Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office software.

• Demonstrated detailed organizational and record-keeping skills.

• Demonstrated experience with filing, alphabetizing, organizing and maintaining research file tasks.

• Proven ability to assist and perform standard laboratory assays such as but not limited to ELISAs, DNA/RNA extraction, immunohistochemistry.

• Excellent ability to communicate with all levels of laboratory personnel.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

• Experience with laboratory computers and specialized data collection software (Med Associates, San Diego Instruments, Noldus).

• Knowledge of stereotaxic surgery.

• Experience with specialized behavioral testing equipment (Med Associates, San Diego Instruments, Coulbourn, Noldus).

• Knowledge of small animal perfusion.

• Ability to administer anesthesia to rodents pre-operatively and provide post-operative care to animals.

• Working knowledge of the Animal Care Program's required husbandry practices.

• Knowledge of mouse breeding colony procedures.

• Experience to assist with a variety of rodent surgeries as directed including: stereotaxic placement of cannula and probes, implantations of osmotic minipumps and telemetry probes, and stereotaxic infusions.

• Ability to administer anesthesia to rodents pre-operatively and provide post-operative care to animals.

• Experience with laboratory techniques (pipetting, solution preparation, dosage calculation, etc.).

• General understanding of lab safety practices.

• University coursework in organic/inorganic chemistry, biology, pharmacology, psychology/psychiatry, genetics.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to handle and euthanize rats and mice.

• Must be willing to collect and handle animal tissue.

• Must be willing to handle human specimens.

• Must be willing to work overtime, nights, and/or weekends if necessary for experimental purposes.