Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C) Innovative Genomics Institute, #88859

University of California; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Staff Research Associate 2 for the Innovative Genomics Institute to support a 2-year genome engineering project. The role involves culturing pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), isolating genomic DNA, and genotyping by PCR and sequencing to support genome editing workflows.

You will assist with protocol optimization, library screening, and data analysis under the PI, and ensure lab safety, record keeping, and reagent quality.

Qualifications

• Experience with sterile tissue culture techniques, PCR, basic lab maintenance duties, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, plasmid handling and molecular cloning.
• Experience with human pluripotent stem cell culturing, genome engineering with CRISPR, as well as the library prep and data analysis of next generation sequencing (NGS).
• Knowledge of lab safety procedures, capability to design and conduct experiments and analyze data.

Responsibilities

• The SRA will culture and maintain the pluripotent stem cell cultures (hPSCs) which includes the passaging of stem cell clones, isolation of genomic DNA and genotyping cells by PCR and sequencing. Support a large-scale hPSCs genome editing workflow that involving genome editing, project tracking, quality control of reagents and materials, and report writing.
• Assists with research projects including optimizing and testing tissue culture and molecular biology protocols such as molecular cloning, stem cell differentiation and library screening. This will be done with the guidance of the PI and other lab members.
• Plans and designs the experiments discussing the outline of the experiment/ protocol with the PI, conducting the experiments, analyzing results and interpreting data under the supervision of the PI. Troubleshoots experiments which include PCR and genotyping.
• Standard molecular biology and tissue culture techniques. Assists lab members with the maintenance and characterization of human stem cell cultures and genotyping of stem cells which entails the isolation DNA from human stem cells, amplify DNA by PCR and prepare samples for sequence analysis.
• Assisting with protocol renewals and safety inspections.
• Lab support duties including autoclaving waste and ordering and restocking supplies.

Skills

Sterile tissue culture

PCR

Molecular cloning

Genome engineering (CRISPR)

NGS data analysis

Lab safety

Experiment design and interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

1-year biology lab experience

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

At the University of California, Berkeley , we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.

At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth . We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

The Innovative Genomics Institute is a joint effort between the Bay Areas leading scientific research institutions, UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, with affiliates at UC Davis, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Gladstone Institutes, and other institutions. The IGIs diverse group of leading scientists have powerful interdisciplinary expertise. They conduct world-class research, driven by the real possibility of using genome engineering to treat human diseases, end hunger, and respond to climate change.

In addition to our scientific efforts, the IGI is committed to advancing public understanding of genome engineering, providing resources for the broader community, and guiding the ethical use of these technologies.

Position Summary

The Staff Research Associate 2 provides a variety of support and research functions within the lab for a 2-year project. This position assists lab members with molecular biology and tissue culture techniques, including the culture and maintenance of pluripotent stem cell cultures (hPSCs), the passaging of stem cell clones, isolation of genomic DNA, and genotyping cells by PCR and sequencing. The Staff Research Associate 2 supports a large-scale hPSCs genome engineering workflow involving genome editing, project tracking, quality control of reagents and materials, and report writing. Additionally, this position works on various research projects that involve planning, designing, and conducting experiments, analyzing results, and interpreting data under the supervision of the PI. This role also manages lab safety, protocol compliance, and essential support duties such as autoclaving and restocking lab supplies.

Responsibilities

30%

• The SRA will culture and maintain the pluripotent stem cell cultures (hPSCs) which includes the passaging of stem cell clones, isolation of genomic DNA and genotyping cells by PCR and sequencing. Support a large-scale hPSCs genome editing workflow that involving genome editing, project tracking, quality control of reagents and materials, and report writing.

25%

• Assists with research projects including optimizing and testing tissue culture and molecular biology protocols such as molecular cloning, stem cell differentiation and library screening. This will be done with the guidance of the PI and other lab members.
• Plans and designs the experiments discussing the outline of the experiment/ protocol with the PI, conducting the experiments, analyzing results and interpreting data under the supervision of the PI. Troubleshoots experiments which include PCR and genotyping.

25%

• Standard molecular biology and tissue culture techniques. Assists lab members with the maintenance and characterization of human stem cell cultures and genotyping of stem cells which entails the isolation DNA from human stem cells, amplify DNA by PCR and prepare samples for sequence analysis.
• This genotyping will require daily record keeping in laboratory notebook to record the samples analyzed and the attendance at weekly lab meetings to understand the basic objectives of the research project.

10%

• Assisting with protocol renewals and safety inspections.

10%

• Lab support duties including autoclaving waste and ordering and restocking supplies.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with sterile tissue culture techniques, PCR, basic lab maintenance duties, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, plasmid handling and molecular cloning.
• Experience with human pluripotent stem cell culturing, genome engineering with CRISPR, as well as the library prep and data analysis of next generation sequencing (NGS).
• Knowledge of lab safety procedures, capability to design and conduct experiments and analyze data.

Education / Training

• Bachelors degree in the life sciences, preferably Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and / or equivalent training and education.
• 1-year (cumulative) experience working in a biology research lab.
• Masters degree in the life sciences, preferably Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry. (Preferred)

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 range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $68,413.33 - $90,270.74 (steps 1.0 - 15.0).

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

Other Information

• There are 2 positions available.
• 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.
• 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

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.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Misconduct

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:

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.