Staff Research Associate (9613C), Molecular & Cell Biology - #83011

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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.

This agenda covers a broad range of specialized disciplines, including biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, structural biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, cell biology, developmental biology, tumor biology, microbiology, immunology, pathogenesis and neurobiology.

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

The faculty of the department is organized into five divisions: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Cell and Developmental Biology; Genetics, Genomics and Development; Molecular Therapeutics; and Immunology and Molecular Medicine.

Position Summary

Research in the lab focuses on the study of the innate immune system, using in vitro systems as well as mouse models to examine the role of several different gene families. We use model bacterial and viral pathogens to test the immune systems of genetically altered mice. The staff research assistant is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operations of mouse colony management, in addition to assisting postdocs and graduate students with their experiments. With work including but not limited to:

• Managing the mouse colony, including breeding setups, coordinating imports and exports with veterinary staff and outside institutions, euthanizing mice, responding to animal welfare situations in a timely manner, establishing a relationship with animal technicians, supervisors, and other OLAC staff, and keeping an up-to-date census depicting suite and cage rack layouts and organizations.
• Assisting other lab members with animal procedures and experiments (assisting with experimental design, planning, scheduling, and execution of a diverse array of assays in effort to contribute to ongoing research projects).

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 12/24/2025. For full consideration, please apply by 01/05/2026.

Responsibilities

Assists with validating potential antigens as targets of the immune response previously identified by mass spectrometry within the laboratory. Tracks inflammatory responses in response to intestinal injury in mice whose response to their microbiota is disrupted by antibiotics or delayed acquisition of a microbiome.

Mouse Colony Analysis

• Oversee breeding schemes of core mice, and help researchers determine crosses when applicable.
• Isolate DNA from mouse tissue samples, and perform PCRs to determine genotypes.
• Organize breeding of mice to maintain appropriate numbers of mice for necessary experiments.
• Troubleshoot failed assays, such as poor flow cytometry, poor mouse breeding.

Maintenance of mouse colony

• Weaning, tagging and cutting of mice.
• Update and manage the mouse census daily.
• Recruit, select, orientate, train, schedule, and discipline undergraduate work study students.
• Coordinate imports/exports of mice with veterinary staff and outside institutions/businesses.
• Establishing a relationship with animal technicians, supervisors, and other OLAC staff.

Assist other lab members with animal procedures

• Express and purify recombinant proteins in E. coli.
• Perform ELISAs and other immunological assays.
• Analysis of immune cell populations by flow cytometry.

Assist other lab members with experiments

• Plan, Schedule, and Coordinate with postdocs and graduate students for large experiments.
• Mouse necropsy and analysis.
• Analysis of immune cell populations by flow cytometry.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with DNA isolation and PCR.
• Must have proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, and GoogleDocs.
• The successful applicant will be a highly motivated, ambitious individual with strong organizational skills.
• A willingness to learn new techniques and skills is essential.
• Good interpersonal skills are also necessary, as the job will require working in a group environment.
• Must be willing to work with mice, viral and bacterial preparations, and recombinant proteins.
• Must be able to work on feet for extended periods of time, up to 6 hours a day.
• Some experience with standard molecular biology and biochemistry protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mice handling and manipulation (e.g., attaching eartags, tail snipping).
• Bachelor's degree in the biomedical or health sciences or related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

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 annual salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.85 (Step 1) - $31.04 (Step 6).

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-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. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

Misconduct

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.