Staff Research Associate 1 (9613C), Molecular and Cell Biology - #78715

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Departmental Overview

The Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) and Integrative Biology (IB) together are among the largest academic departments at UC Berkeley. By several measures (including number of faculty and students, budget, and assigned square feet), these departments are larger than many UCB colleges and schools. The two departments represent over 100 faculty FTE (including Adjuncts, Professors of the Graduate School, active emeriti and 11 HHMI professors); 55 Researchers and Specialists; 150 post-doctoral researchers; 270 graduate students; 100 department staff members; and total state and extramural payroll of approximately 1000 (including Graduate Student Instructors, Graduate Student Researchers and research staff). Financial resources include approximately $55M in annual extramural funding {which accounts for over half of the total sponsored research awards in the College of Letters & Science) and over $40M other fund sources. The department has 1,800 declared undergraduate majors (the largest majors on the Berkeley campus) and a total annual enrollment in classes of -20,000. Department personnel are currently housed in eight buildings located in three widely separated parts of the campus.

Position Summary

The Saxton Lab in the Immunology and Molecular Medicine Division in the Molecular and Cell Biology Dept at UC Berkeley is looking for a Staff Research Associate (SRA) to perform experiments to support the ongoing research in the lab studying mechanisms of immune cell signaling in tissue inflammation and repair.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: June 20, 2025

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, performs routine molecular biology assays, including PCR, plasmid DNA preparations, cloning and sequence analysis.
• Perform genomic assays (nucleic acid extraction, library preparation for high-throughput sequencing, quantitative RT-PCR, CRISPR editing and analysis).
• Assist others with molecular biology assays.
• Responsible for tissue culture assays, including standard tissue culture cell line maintenance, cell transections, and preparation of lentivirus and/or baculovirus.
• Follow universal safety precautions with biohazardous materials.
• Assist others with tissue culture techniques.
• Contribute to data analysis, interpretation and organization, including rigorous data analysis and note keeping.

General Lab maintenance duties including:

• Autoclaving waste, ordering and restocking supplies.
• Assists with maintaining lab supplies, equipment and reagents, managing chemical inventory and lab safety procedures including BSL2 protocols.
• Assists with lab protocol development, lab organization and inventories and lab safety inspections.
• Offers suggestions to the lab regarding optimization and modifications to procedures in collaboration with others.
• Assists training new lab members on lab procedures and protocols.

Required Qualifications

• Some experience in molecular biology assays including: PCR, cloning or nucleic acid extraction.
• Some experience in basic lab maintenance duties and knowledge of lab safety procedures.
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Highly detail oriented and self-motivated.
• Must demonstrate excellent organizational skills, laboratory precision, reliability and clear communication.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Must be willing to work with BSL2 virus preparations.
• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences such as Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology or Genetics and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience with molecular biology assays (PCR, cloning, nucleic acid extractions, etc.).
• Sterile tissue culture techniques.
• Experience with protein expression and purification.
• Immunology experience or interest.
• Proficiency in relevant software and data analysis tools.
• Bioinformatics skills.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly rate that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.52 (Step 1).

• This is a full-time, Career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html

• This is not a visa opportunity.

SB 791 and AB 810 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.

"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:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California 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, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.