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Research Assistant (9613C) - 61684

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

In 1921-2, in keeping with a growing trend across the nation, Berkeley's Department of Psychology was established as a separate unit, emerging from the Department of Philosophy. For nearly a century, the department has been a national and international leader in psychological research and the superior educational programs that we have provided to undergraduates and doctoral students.

The Psychology Department moved to Tolman Hall in 1963 when it was a new state-of-the-art building. This building served us well for over 50 years, but alas, the nature of our work has changed and our beloved Tolman Hall was no longer quite state-of-the-art. In June 2018, we moved to a new building at the corner of Berkeley Way and Shattuck. We look forward to another 50 years of continuing our cutting-edge research, excellent clinical services, and renowned teaching and advising of undergraduate and PhD students.

Today, our award-winning faculty conduct ground-breaking research in many areas of psychology, including behavioral and systems neuroscience, clinical science, cognition, cognitive neuroscience, development, social, and personality. Our PhD students go on to exciting careers in academia (e.g. Yale, Stanford, UCLA), industry (e.g., Facebook, Google), healthcare (e.g., Oakland Children's Hospital, Seattle VA) and policy (e.g., National Institute of Justice).

The Research Assistant will process samples for mRNA, hormones, and cytokines from human participants in a protocol designed to assess the influence of diet and healthy behavior on bipolar disorder, and will assist in recruiting, scheduling, participant training and sample collection logistics, and data management and analyses. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the administrative functions of the lab, including coordinating meetings, correspondence, and training of up to three undergraduate student researchers.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 11/30/2023.

Responsibilities

• Process samples for mRNA, hormones, and cytokines from human participants in a protocol designed to assess the influence of diet and healthy behavior on bipolar disorder.
• Analyze human samples using real-time quantitative PCR and radioimmunoassay.
• Conducts sample collection logistics, and data management and analyses.
• Assists in recruiting, scheduling, participant training.
• Facilitate administrative facets of the project (e.g., correspondence, meeting scheduling, ordering supplies).
• Manage undergraduate volunteers and their roles.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience in a wet lab and familiarity with standard laboratory equipment and operating principles.
• Background and coursework in biology, chemistry, physiology, or related fields.
• Experience with statistical software, such as SPSS, Prism, R/Python.
• Experience with Microsoft office.
• Ability to handle fluctuating priorities and deadlines.
• Must be organized, responsible, punctual, and have the ability to pay close attention to details.
• High level of professionalism and interpersonal skill for interacting with participants who may struggle with mental health concerns, and for community members and colleagues involved in the collaboration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Occasional regional travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Psychology/Neuroscience or related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience in extraction and quantification of mRNA samples.
• Experience in hormone assays (e.g., RIA or ELISA).

Salary & Benefits

This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) non-exempt career position, which is paid hourly and eligible for UC 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 salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.75 (Step 1) - $30.72 (Step 9).

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.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California 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, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.



To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=61684&PostingSeq=1