Job Description

Filing Deadline: Tue 3/25/2025

This is an 18-month 100% limited position. While this position cannot be extended beyond 18 months in its limited status, it may be converted to an indefinite career position depending on departmental needs and available funding.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine consists of research laboratories in the fields of cell and developmental biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, marine natural products, microbiology, and physiology of marine organisms. Cell and developmental biology: algal biofuels, biochemistry of fertilization and embryogenesis of sea urchins, developmental genetics of amphioxus (Branchiostoma), evolution of developmental patterning, functional genomics, how embryos sense and defend against environmental stressors, innate immunity in teleosts. Evolution Biology and Ecology: evolutionary genetics, genetic structure of invertebrate populations and speciation, invertebrate and fish taxonomy and biogeography, evolution and paleobiology of colonial life, microbial ecology and community structure, phytoplankton ecology, coral reef ecology, evolution and development (EvoDevo), conservation biology. Microbiology: ecology of marine viruses, bacteria, and phytoplankton, and the roles these organisms play in marine food webs and biogeochemical cycles, microbial symbioses with marine invertebrates, new compounds from cyanobacteria, microbial adaptations to pressure and temperature extremes and other environmental stresses in the marine environment, geomicrobiology, bacteria, and bioremediation. Physiology: respiration and energy metabolism, biomechanics and locomotion, sensory biology and bioluminescence, response to osmotic stress (ion transport and acid/base regulation), epithelial physiology, mitochondrial function, physiology of hydrothermal vent community animals.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under direction, the Sea Urchin Transgenics Biologist is responsible for taking charge of projects that have been broadly outlined by academic supervisor and for conducting independent original research. Engage in difficult and complex research, making important original contributions while leading experimental design, developing innovative tools, and optimizing systems essential for generating and maintaining novel sea urchin transgenic lines. Play a key part in advancing research projects, maintaining a growing repository of sea urchin lines, and contributing to the development of a community-wide sea urchin transgenics resource center. Manage the lab’s colony of sea urchins and live algal cultures, overseeing daily animal care, feeding, cleaning, and welfare checks in collaboration with undergraduate assistants, lab members, and the SIO experimental aquarium staff. Ensure the routine maintenance of essential systems, optimizing scalable culturing practices, and performing microscopy techniques, cryopreservation, genotyping, and animal husbandry. Develop and maintain databases for tracking animals and reagents while maximizing the utility of genetic tools and molecular constructs in a high-throughput laboratory setting.

Serve as the primary point of contact for external investigators requesting biological materials, oversee and manage shipments, and work alongside the PI to establish a new Recharge Center for marine animal resources, the National Sea Urchin Resource Center, to support cost recovery efforts. Mentor laboratory staff, train researchers in advanced methodologies, and guide undergraduate and graduate students to support their academic and research development.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, equivalent theoretical knowledge of life sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong background and advanced skills in genetics.

• Proven expertise in animal husbandry, specifically with sea urchins.

• Strong understanding of urchin biology to support efficient and sustainable production.

• Strong background in molecular biology techniques and data management.

• Demonstrated ability in core biochemical and molecular biology techniques including sequence analysis, molecular cloning, nucleic acid purification and validation.

• Demonstrated ability in embryology including micro injection, genotyping and microscopy.

• Proficiency in routing bioinformatic and biochemical procedures associated with molecular biology research.

• Experience with general laboratory maintenance and knowledge of safety protocols.

• Commitment to mentoring and training junior staff and students.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills to manage diverse responsibilities and collaborate with team members and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute and implement original and innovative ideas and techniques on complex research projects. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement new methods to meet research needs and improve process efficiencies.

• Demonstrated experience in overall planning, determining strategies, and selecting methods of approach of research projects related to molecular biology. Proven ability to exercise judgement, initiative and resourcefulness in making decisions for carrying out experiments.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision/guidance. Demonstrated strong organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple projects at once. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to recognize problems, develop potential solutions, implement appropriate solutions, and evaluate results or progress.

• Flexibility to work occasional weekends and holidays, with availability to respond to system alarms.

• Demonstrated ability to interact using tact and diplomacy with diverse personalities including academic, staff, student, and volunteer employees and institutions/organizations.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• The position requires occasional work on weekends and holidays, as well as the ongoing ability and willingness to respond (or coordinate responses) to critical system alarms.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $73,043 - $117,557 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $34.98 - $56.30

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

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