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, the incumbent will work as a laboratory assistant to assist in studies of rodent models and laboratory rodent colonies within the Department of Psychiatry. Duties include: lab animal husbandry, rat colony maintenance, genotyping, injections, record keeping using established scripts and protocols. Organize a schedule of tasks needed on a in order to maintain breeding lines of rats and mice. Create and maintain detailed breeding records based on instructions from the supervisor and the lab manager; use established scripts for to maintain pedigree records. Set up all necessary caging and cage labeling in the animal facility. Pair and separate appropriate breeders. Check for pups and wean pups. Identify rodents by ear tagging. Work with supervisor to create schedule for animal transfers to collaborators. Set necessary MTA with collaborators in advance. Work with supervisor to resolve issues. Follow all IACUC procedures as described in the protocol. Update lab IACUC protocol as directed by the principal investigator. Assist with other project and miscellaneous duties as required.

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in Biology, organic/inorganic Chemistry and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience handling mice and rats (restraining, ear tagging, injections, etc.).

• Demonstrated experience in maintaining rodent breeding colony.

• Demonstrated ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, etc., with the willingness and ability to update and increase skills and knowledge as needed.

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

• General laboratory experience.

• Ability to recognize, report and troubleshoot technical problems.

• Good communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain detailed breeding records (including genetics and lineage of all animals) based on instructions from the supervisor and the lab manager.

• Extreme attention to details, high standards for accuracy and documentation.

• Must have the ability to work under own initiative as well as to work meticulously under close direction.

• Excellent time management skills.

• Demonstrated experience with high-pace high-throughput laboratory work

• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

• Working knowledge of laws and regulations that govern the housing and management of laboratory animals as applied to the University of California. Sensitivity to the needs of laboratory animals in compliance to AAALAC standards.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and coursework in biology or related disciplines.

• Academic courses in relevant subjects, such as genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and organic chemistry.

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

• Knowledge of stereotaxic surgery.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to handle mice and rats.

• Must be willing to euthanize mice and rats according to IACUC protocol.

• Must be able to work overtime, weekends, and evenings if required.