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 supervision, assist with experiments related the development of novel cancer therapeutics. Primary functions include: maintaining tissue culture cell lines; production of proteins in mammalian cell lines; purification and characterization of recombinant proteins using multiple chromatographic and HPLC systems; testing the activity of new cancer drugs in vitro and in in vivo in murine tumor models; PCR, DNA cloning and construction of expression vectors. Additional functions include assisting with biochemical, cell biological, fluorescent microscopic and molecular pharmacology experiments; maintaining laboratory equipment and providing support for general laboratory operations; and training of students and other lab members. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, and/or biochemistry.

• Ability and willingness to handle and work with small animals. Ability to assist in performing mouse injections, anesthesia, blood and tissue collection, and euthanizing.

• Experience with basic bacterial and tissue culture techniques and maintenance of sterility.

• Ability to perform basic molecular biology techniques including DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, RT-PCR, and plasmid preparation.

• Familiarity with basic chemistry techniques including calculation of drug concentrations, preparation of buffers.

• Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, autoclaves and electrophoresis equipment.

• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize work, and ability to read, understand and extract information from published medical, chemical and biological literature. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Proficiency in the use of applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, PRISM, PUBMED and internet search tools

• Familiarity with proper handling of chemical and biohazardous materials. Ability to follow UCSD Safety and Hazardous Materials guidelines. Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials. Understanding of safety procedures and guidelines.

• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Ability to work professionally and harmoniously with others in an integrated project. Skill at prioritizing work to meet all deadlines and accurately document research procedures.

• Ability to follow standard research protocols and to assist with solving research and methodological problems. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Absolute honesty regarding conduct of experiments and data.

• Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials and prepare accurate and complete research reports.

• Experience with the operation of HPLC equipment using reverse-phase and SEC columns and techniques.

• Experience with DNA cloning techniques and the construction of expression vectors.

• Experience with the production and purification of recombinant proteins in bacterial and mammalian cells.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing and able to work with hazardous materials (biological and chemical).

• Must be available to work some long days and weekend hours if needed.

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