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Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C), Molecular & Cell Biology - 70640

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

The teaching and research activities of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) concern the molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms.

The types of living organisms from which the departmental faculty draws its working materials range from viruses and microbes through plants, roundworms, annelids, arthropods, and mollusks to fish, amphibia, and mammals.

Position Summary

The SRA2 conducts experiments to investigate the mechanisms by which the intracellular pathogen Rickettsia parkeri manipulates the structures of its host cells. The candidate will perform a wide variety of standard experiments in the field of molecular and cell biology, including in the following areas: microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and imaging. In addition, the job will involve supervision of laboratory assistants. Finally, some administrative work is required, including ordering supplies, equipment maintenance, lab database maintenance, and EH&S compliance.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: July 17, 2024

Responsibilities

Conduct experiments:

• Responsible for experimental work in the field of molecular and cell biology, including in the areas of: microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and imaging.


• Performs biochemical experiments involving protein purification and fluorometric assays for enzymatic activity.


• Troubleshoots experiments and consults with others and/or probe the literature to look for alternative solutions.


• Collect, compile and analyze data: Document results of experiments and analyze data; interprets findings.

Lab Management:

• Responsible for assisting with management of a small lab, including ordering supplies, lab database maintenance, equipment maintenance, and EH&S compliance.

Supervision and Collaboration:

• Responsible for providing work guidance the work lab assistants. Collaboratively contribute to research projects with graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and the PI.

Meetings:

• Will attend weekly lab meetings, journal clubs, and DEI meetings.


• Will meet daily to weekly on an individual basis with the PI.


• Presents findings in weekly lab meeting and may attend local scientific conferences.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in culturing E. coli and molecular biology (culturing, bacterial growth assays, transformation, plasmid preparation, molecular cloning, PCR); protein expression in E. coli; protein purification; standard biochemical assays including SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and enzymatic assays; and mammalian cell culture (culturing cell lines and primary cells, transfections).


• Ability to perform work without technical supervision, ability to troubleshoot experimental protocols, ability to modify protocols to meet research project goals.


• Excellent communication skills, including in keeping written records, and in verbal communication regarding experimental methods, results, and data analysis.


• Excellent organization skills, including in keeping laboratory notebooks and records.


• General computer skills (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, cloud-based Google apps) for keeping track of results and sharing progress, including use of electronic laboratory inventory systems.


• Bachelor's degree in Molecular and Cell Biology or related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with bacterial pathogens and infection of mammalian cells with bacteria; fluorescence microscopy (using fluorescent proteins and vital stains), immunofluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy.

Salary & Benefits

This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) exempt career position, which is paid monthly 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 $60,245.54 (Step 1) - $96,914.75 (Step 25).

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.

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 https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=5371998&targetURL=U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination 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=70640&PostingSeq=1













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