The Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD: encompassing 28 departments, 6 schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Biological Sciences & the School of Physical Sciences), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI). These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future-oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy of career-path development for its employees including opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerated discovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

Under close supervision, the incumbent will assist PI in research projects in synthetic organic chemistry and immunology. The incumbent will assist with planning and preparing lab scale chemical intermediates for medicinal chemistry and in vitro biology projects. Under close supervision, the incumbent will isolate and purify products of the experiments using standard techniques, including chromatography, distillation, crystallization, etc. Assist in obtaining analytical data to confirm the chemical structure and purity of the products, including NMR, MS, HPLC, etc. Maintain research records, including lab notebooks, analytical data files, literature files, etc. Responsible for oral presentations at weekly/monthly laboratory meetings. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, chemistry and/or biochemistry or a Bachelor's of Science degree in an appropriate field of science or equivalent in education and experience.

• Knowledge of organic chemistry. Knowledge of use of analytical methods and instruments: HPLC, NMR, UV, MS.

• Experience with conducting organic chemistry experiments according to research protocol, including purification techniques.

• Knowledge of spectrophotometers and other routine laboratory equipment, such as centrifuge machine. Knowledge of handling and proper usage of glassware and plasticware.

• Knowledge of sterile techniques and tissue culture.

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.

• Ability to follow UCSD Safety and Hazardous Materials guidelines. Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials such as blood/tissue. Understanding of safety procedures and guidelines.

• Absolute honesty regarding conduct of experiments and data; neat and well-organized recording of data and experimental details.

• Ability to work with others in an integrated project: the position requires daily interaction with other technical staff members, as well as the project team leader.

• Must be detail-oriented and able to follow verbal and/or written instructions as well as basic research protocols. Ability to follow-up. Ability to accurately record data and enter into appropriate medium.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to independently learn new skills, research methods and scientific principles.

• Knowledge of computer software programs such as Excel, MS Word, Prism, ChemDraw, Softmax, and PowerPoint. Ability to enter records accurately into database programs.

• Demonstrated knowledge to read and use Material Safety Data Sheets.

• Knowledge of UCSD Environmental Health and Safety requirements.

• Experience in working and maintaining a sterile environment.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

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

• Must be willing and able to work some weekends and after hours as needed.