The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with approximately 250 Faculty, 127 postdoctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) along with over 320 support staff (not including hospital staff). In addition, the Department has 68 clinical residents distributed across the Divisions. The missions of research, education and patient care are intertwined, and are integral to the goals of the department.

The Department manages a university-affiliated children's health system with the physicians and leadership of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady Children's Hospital, and Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego, a Medical Practice Foundation, unifying pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs.

Under supervision, incumbent will assist with basic lung biology research experiments and maintaining cell cultures. In general, work will include conducting lung organoid and lung on a chip experiments to investigate lung and pulmonary vascular development. Specific techniques include human cell and tissue handling, setting up cell culture experiments, human tissue collection and processing, isolation and purification of DNA and RNA, PCR-based genotyping, gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR and RNA-sequencing, wax-embedded and frozen tissue sectioning, histological and immunofluorescence staining of sectioned and wholemount tissues, brightfield and immunofluorescence imaging, image analysis, and preparing samples for FACS.

General laboratory activities will include helping to maintain lab organization and record keeping, ordering reagents and supplies when needed, troubleshooting experimental design and equipment, attending lab meetings, helping to train undergraduate research trainees, and maintaining a safe work environment according to EH&S, state, and federal standards.

• Theoretical knowledge of genetics, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience of laboratory work with a good understanding of all the components of successful operation of a genetics and molecular biology lab.

• Proven ability in computer skills, including Office and Excel and Powerpoint.

• Demonstrated ability to take direction, be detail oriented and follow step-wise instruction.

• Basic experience in molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid manipulation, electrophoresis, tissue and cell culture, and PCR required.

• Proven ability to work with a large number of samples with accuracy and efficiency.

• Ability to troubleshoot complex technical procedures.

• Ability to work independently and oversee others; demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team in a deadline-driven environment; good communication and analytical skills.

• Practical background with demonstrated ability in cell culture management, passage and differentiation of stem and progenitor cells.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to vary work schedule to accommodate research needs.

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

• Must be willing and able to work with small animals and biohazardous materials.