Research Associate – Preclinical Imaging

Employment Duration: 4 months The UCSF Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) is dedicated to research focused on neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple system atrophy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and prion diseases. The In Vivo Research Associate – Preclinical Imaging will support research involving rodent models of neurodegenerative disease, with a primary focus on hands-on in vivo animal work and small-animal imaging.

Working closely with research, animal-care, and drug-discovery teams, this individual will prepare animals for imaging studies, administer materials to mice, operate in vivo imaging equipment, support imaging-related data activities, and perform specialized rodent procedures. The position requires strong hands-on experience working with rodent models, including animal handling, restraint, dosing, tissue collection, and research documentation.

Experience with PET/MRI imaging is highly desirable but is not required. Approximately 5–10% of the role may involve ad hoc activities supporting the broader needs of the animal facility and research team.

Key Responsibilities

Participate in the execution and documentation of in vivo animal studies supporting neurodegenerative disease and drug-discovery research. Prepare mice and rats for small-animal imaging studies and operate in vivo imaging equipment. Support imaging procedures, including preparation and administration of study materials to animals.

Contribute to imaging-related study activities and associated research data. Safely handle and restrain mice and rats and perform appropriate rodent dosing procedures. Perform tissue collection, preservation, storage, and other sample-handling activities associated with animal studies. Perform technical rodent procedures associated with in vivo research studies.

Coordinate study execution in consultation with supervisors and relevant drug-discovery stakeholders. Identify potential study issues and communicate concerns promptly to the appropriate supervisor. Maintain accurate hardcopy and electronic research and experimental records. Prepare project updates and communicate effectively with research stakeholders.

Work collaboratively with research staff, animal-care personnel, and multidisciplinary teams. Support the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures associated with assigned activities. Assist with training laboratory members on relevant rodent and in vivo research techniques as appropriate. Spend approximately 5–10% of effort supporting ad hoc animal-facility and research-team needs, which may include animal care, husbandry, colony maintenance, cage washing, animal-welfare checks, and other critical activities.

N/A Required Qualifications BA/BS in a related science and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience following degree completion utilizing techniques or methods relevant to the position; an equivalent combination of education and experience; or, for candidates without a BA/BS, three or more years of relevant experience.

A few years of hands-on experience working with rodent models in an in vivo research environment, including experience with tissue handling. Experience and proficiency in animal preparation and operation of in vivo imaging systems for small animals, including optical, nuclear, and/or anatomical imaging modalities. Full proficiency in rodent and small-mammal biomethodology, including handling, restraint, and dosing.

Experience with tissue collection, preservation, and storage. Ability to safely and effectively handle mice and rats. Ability to coordinate study execution following consultation with relevant drug-discovery stakeholders. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work successfully both independently and collaboratively.

Ability to work effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary groups. Excellent hardcopy and electronic record-keeping skills. Flexibility to orient and work at other UCSF locations (on occasion).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with in vivo imaging, particularly PET or PET/MRI small-animal imaging. Valid California driver's license. Experience with aseptic technique, anesthesia, and post-operative care. Experience working safely and efficiently under ABSL1–ABSL2 conditions.