Research Associate - Tracy Lab

Buck Institute; Novato (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

401(k) employer contribution

Student debt repayment

Job summary

The Buck Institute in Novato, CA is seeking a motivated Research Associate to support molecular studies of synapse dysfunction and cognitive decline. The role involves culturing human iPSC-derived neurons, managing a mouse colony, and assisting team projects with basic molecular techniques.

A BA/BS in biology and reliable organizational skills are essential for independent, detail-oriented work. Onsite position with extensive benefits including medical/dental/vision coverage, PTO, parental

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology.
• Experience handling mice is desirable.
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques, especially cell culture, is desirable.
• Excellent organizational skills and record keeping.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Make and maintain cell cultures (human iPSCs, iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, HEK293).
• Organize and manage mouse colony including breeding, weaning, and genotyping.
• Perform general husbandry and care for mice in the colony.
• Assist with projects by preparing solutions, running PCRs and Western blots, and performing immunostaining.
• Order laboratory supplies and manage deliveries to the Tracy laboratory.
• Maintain laboratory organization and upkeep of equipment like incubators and biosafety cabinets.

Skills

Cell culture

Mice handling

Record keeping

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology

Tools

PCR

Western blot

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Tracy Laboratory is seeking amotivated Research Associateto join our team investigating the molecular events that lead to synapse dysfunction and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.The Research Associate will provide technical support and assistance performing laboratory work for ongoing research in the Tracy Laboratory to elucidate the mechanisms that cause memory loss. Our research involves using transgenic mouse models of disease and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived neurons to dissect mechanisms that cause neuronal dysfunction during disease pathogenesis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Making and maintaining cell cultures for the laboratory (human iPSCs, human iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, and HEK293 cells).
• Organizing and general management of the mouse colony.
• Breeding, weaning, euthanizing and general husbandry of mice in the colony
• Tail cutting, ear punching and genotyping of mice in the colony.
• Assisting members of the lab with the projects that they are leading by completing duties that may include making solutions, running PCRs and western blots or performing immunostaining.
• Ordering laboratory supplies.
• Delivering packages of supplies that arrive for the Tracy laboratory, unpacking them, and organizing them.
• Helping with laboratory organization and performing general care and maintenance of the laboratory and its equipment including tissue culture incubators and biosafety cabinets.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in biology (BA or BS).
• Experience handling mice is desirable.
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques or methods, especially cell culture, is desirable.
• Excellent organizational skills and record keeping.
• Proven accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage different projects simultaneously with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and independently prioritize assignments.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Annual salary: $52,000 - $68,000, depending on skills and experience
• Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401(k) employer contribution, and a student debt repayment option.
• This is an onsite position.

ABOUT THE BUCK INSTITUTE

Our success will ultimately change healthcare. At the Buck, we aim to end the threat of age-related diseases for this and future generations by bringing together the most capable and passionate scientists from a broad range of disciplines to identify and impede the ways in which we age. We are an independent, non-profit institution located in Marin County, CA, with the goal of increasing human healthspan, or the healthy years of life. Globally recognized as the pioneer and leader in efforts to target aging—the number one risk factor for diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes—the Buck seeks to help people live better longer.

We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.