Junior/Assistant Specialist- Lipid Metabolism - Nutritional Science and Toxicology

The Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology at the University of California, Berkeley, seeks applications for a Junior/Assistant Specialist in the Ferrari Lab, in the area of lipid metabolism.

The Ferrari lab studies lipid intracellular transport in physiology and disease. We combine cell biology approaches, genetic screens and generation of transgenic murine models to identify new mechanisms of cholesterol trafficking and their relevance for whole-body cholesterol homeostasis. Our goal is to find pathways that can be targeted to treat metabolic disorders and lipid-related diseases.

The candidate will be involved in a collaborative project aimed to identify how fat dietary composition affects lipid transport and cholesterol metabolism . Within UC Berkeley, the successful candidate will have access to multiple departments, including molecular and cell biology, integrative biology, statistics, and the center for computational biology.

Responsibilities:

The position will contribute in three major ways 1) mouse colony maintenance (handling, tagging, bleeding mice), genotyping (by PCR) and necropsy/ experimentation (harvesting tissues), 2) cell based experiments (in immortalized and primary cells) and 3) DNA/RNA manipulation and cloning.

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and of the postdoctoral researchers, the Junior/Assistant Specialist will play a key role in supporting all research activities within the lab. The position involves providing routine and specialized support for lab operations and managing a rodent colony. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate and detailed records for the experimental animal colony. The candidate will keep a lab notebook detailing records of experiments performed, and regularly communicate progress orally to the PI, a postdoc project supervisor, and during lab meetings.

Primary Duties Include:

* Day-to-day maintenance of the rodent colony

* Data entry and record keeping in an online colony management software system

* Collection, preparation, and analysis of biopsy samples for genotyping

* Conducting anesthesia administration and tissue collection

* Performing and optimizing PCR-based genotyping assays

* Preparation of buffers and solutions

* Molecular cloning

* Cell culture experiments in immortalized cells and isolated primary hepatocyte and intestinal organoids (transfection/infection, microscopy, analysis of gene expression)

* Preparation of DNA/RNA

* Analysis of gene expression by qPCR and protein expression by Western blot

* Mentoring undergraduate students in laboratory techniques

The candidate will contribute to ongoing research in metabolism and collaborate with other lab members.

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) program.

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree).

Previous research experience in metabolism, working with murine models.

Priority will be given to candidates with experience in the following areas:

1. Molecular Biology Techniques: DNA and RNA isolation and quantification, PCR/qPCR, vector design, cloning, gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, and western blotting.
2. Tissue Culture: Experience with both primary cells and cell lines, including cell maintenance, passage, transfection, and isolation techniques.
3. Rodent Colony Management: Experience in handling and maintaining mouse lines, including ear punches, genotyping, surgical procedures, anesthesia, and tissue collection.
4. Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with basic knowledge of data presentation (tables, charts, graphs).
5. Organizational Skills: Excellent time management and organizational abilities, with the capacity to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
6. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively (both verbal and written) and interact professionally with lab staff and external contacts.

Additional Desired Attributes:

* Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills with a strong attention to detail.

* Ability to maintain accurate lab notebook practices.

* Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and adapting to changing research priorities.

• 3 required (contact information only)

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity 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.

Please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "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.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment