Who we are:

The Gladstone Institutes is a leading independent, not-for-profit research organization dedicated to improving human health through groundbreaking biomedical research and education. Our work spans neuroscience, cardiovascular biology, immunology, and stem cell biology, with a strong emphasis on understanding and treating disease. With approximately 600 team members, including world-renowned scientists and biomedical leaders, Gladstone fosters a collaborative and innovative environment. Located at the Mission Bay Campus in a state-of-the-art facility, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the resources to empower individuals to maximize their potential and make a meaningful impact on global health.

About the Role:

The Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology is recruiting a Research Associate (RA) to help perform in vivo experiments in mouse models of immunotherapies and assist with the management of the mouse colony used for ongoing multidisciplinary cellular engineering projects. Our institute has pioneered the application of novel genetic engineering technologies such as CRISPR to primary human immune cells. These new technical abilities have furthered our research into the genetic control of T cell biology as well as opened the door to novel cancer immunotherapies based on engineered human immune cells.

What you will do:

The RA will assist with the management and maintenance of institute mouse colonies located at UCSF (Parnassus campus). They will be trained in experimental procedures involving mouse models of cancer and participate in rigorous assessments of the in vivo efficacy of T cell therapies in these models. This work will support multiple labs in the institute, with particular emphasis on supporting experiments taking place in the Eyquem lab. The Eyquem lab is aimed at understanding the current limitations of CAR T cell therapy using innovative tumor models and functional genomics and overcoming these challenges by reprogramming T cells with the use of genome editing and synthetic receptors. Tasks require routine handling of mice.

• Perform routine mouse colony management duties (ear punching/ear tagging/tailing for genotyping, weaning, aging and sexing of pups, and euthanasia, et al)
• Identify and implement required care for mice with health issues and mice on special treatment (special diet, fasting, treated water).
• Maintain mouse database using Google sheets or mouse colony software.
• Primer design and PCR troubleshooting
• Perform PCR followed by electrophoresis or Sanger sequencing for genotyping
• Place genotyping orders in TransnetYX and interpret the genotyping results
• Collect blood samples via submandibular bleeding for downstream analysis
• Learn and become proficient with techniques related to cancer models, such as intravenous injections of cancer cell lines and/or immune cells by tail vein injection or retro-orbital injection
• Administer medication/reagents orally and via subQ, IP, IM, or IV
• Assist with in vivo imaging in cancer models (bioluminescence) and analysis of in vivo imaging data
• Assist with cell culture and preparation for subQ injections or IV injections
• Assist with dissection of spleen, lymph nodes, engrafted tumor for downstream analysis
• Assist with solid tumor models, including growth monitoring, inoculation by subQ injections, caliper measurements of tumor growth, and understanding and following humane end points for the models
• Work collaboratively across a dynamic scientific environment
• Maintain and ensure safe laboratory environment and work practices. Follow standard operating procedures (SOP) and IACUC protocols.
• Other related duties as assigned

What you will need:

• BA/BS degree and one or more years of laboratory experience utilizing techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• New graduates with a commitment to learning are welcome to apply
• Must be able to work with mouse colonies
• Experience with general laboratory techniques, especially basic molecular and cellular biology techniques (including but not limited to DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA assembly, bacterial transformation, mammalian cell culture, etc.)
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written)
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines
• Ability to comply with policies and procedures
• Some evening and weekend hours are required

What is preferred:

• Prior experience with mammalian cell culture, especially T cell culture
• Prior experience with rodent models

What you should include:

• Resume
• Cover Letter with reference list

About Gladstone Institutes

The Gladstone Institutes is an independent, not-for-profit research institution affiliated with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), transforming the health and well-being of all people through medical research, education, and outreach in the fields focused on heart disease, immunology and virology including HIV/AIDS, and neurological disease. Home to notable leaders in the field of medical science, including 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recipient Shinya Yamanaka, M.D.,Ph.D. Gladstone is comprised of four institutes in addition to various Centers and programs focusing approximately 500 members of our team on its mission: Science Overcoming Disease. Located in an award-winning building adjacent to UCSF's Mission Bay Campus, Gladstone offers a competitive salary and benefits program within a robust environment for those seeking to maximize their potential. Please consider Gladstone and make a difference in human health.

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