Staff Research Associate 3

UC Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara seeks a Staff Research Associate 3 in the Maxwell Wilson lab to design and build genome-editing libraries in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) using the MAGESTIC platform, and to perform the accompanying computational analyses for a DARPA-funded synthetic biology project.

Primary duties include designing guide RNA and donor/barcode libraries, processing oligonucleotide pools, performing high-throughput cloning, transforming yeast, and preparing samples for sequencing,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or related field.
• 1-3 years hands-on molecular biology and genetics in budding yeast.
• 1-3 years high-throughput or library-scale molecular cloning.
• 1-3 years CRISPR/Cas genome editing in microbial or eukaryotic systems.
• 1-3 years Python and/or R for analysis of sequencing data.
• 1-3 years reliable, organized, detail-oriented with large numbers of samples.
• 1-3 years constructing MAGESTIC or similar pooled libraries.

Responsibilities

• Design and build genome-editing libraries in budding yeast using MAGESTIC.
• Carry out computational analysis supporting the project.
• Design guide RNA and donor/barcode libraries and prepare samples for sequencing.
• Maintain shared instruments and automate lab workflows.
• Coordinate with collaborators and train lab members.

Skills

Molecular biology

Yeast genetics

CRISPR editing

Computational analysis

Python/R scripting

Project management

MAGESTIC workflows

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular/cell biology or related field

Tools

MAGESTIC platform

Job description

Job Posting Details (External)

• Position Number: 41252122
• Payroll Title: SRA 3 RX (009611)
• Job Code: 009611
• Job Open Date: 07/31/2026
• Application Review Begins: 08/17/2026
• Department Code (Name): NRII (NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH INST)
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Union Code (Name): RX-Research Professionals
• Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $75,437.68 to $86,680.15/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $75,437.68 to $121,313.85/year.
• Work Location: Biological Sciences II building, Room 3156
• Working Days and Hours: M-F, 8-5
• Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits
• Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations)

Department Marketing Statement

The Neuroscience Research Institute is an organized research unit whose mission is to foster knowledge and understanding of the nervous system by serving as a center for scientific research breakthroughs. The NRI is a group of investigators whose collective goal is to create an intellectual atmosphere conducive to exploration at the frontiers of human knowledge where disciplinary boundaries disappear. Investigators in the NRI recognize that the interests of neuroscience extend broadly from repair and prevention of human disease to the principles that underlie the earliest nervous systems, from the human mind to the single molecular building blocks of the brain. This position is based in the laboratory of Associate Professor Maxwell Wilson, which combines optogenetics, synthetic biology, and laboratory automation to study cell signaling dynamics and operates the Robotic Synthetic Biology BioFoundry.

Benefits Of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary Of Job Duties

Full-time position in the laboratory of Associate Professor Maxwell Wilson in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. The Staff Research Associate 3 will design and build genome-editing libraries in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) using the MAGESTIC platform and will carry out the computational analysis that supports this work, in support of a DARPA-funded synthetic biology project (DARPA GO) that engineers light-controlled genetic systems in yeast. Primary duties include designing guide RNA and donor / repair libraries and their associated barcodes, processing synthetic oligonucleotide pools, performing high-throughput molecular cloning, transforming and constructing yeast strains, running pooled growth and selection experiments, and preparing samples for next-generation sequencing. The position also develops and runs computational pipelines for library design, barcode and variant counting, and screen analysis, and manages the resulting datasets. Additional responsibilities include maintaining shared instruments and the laboratory's automation and liquid-handling systems, managing strain and plasmid collections, training students and researchers in yeast genome-engineering and MAGESTIC workflows, and coordinating with project collaborators. Other duties include general laboratory upkeep, preparation of stock solutions and reagents, and regulatory and biosafety compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular or cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field; equivalent experience and / or training may substitute
• 1-3 years Hands-on molecular biology and genetics in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), including transformation, strain construction, and use of selection markers
• 1-3 years High-throughput or library-scale molecular cloning, such as pooled oligonucleotide libraries, Golden Gate, or Gibson assembly
• 1-3 years CRISPR / Cas genome editing in microbial or eukaryotic systems
• 1-3 years Programming and scripting for biological data analysis in Python and / or R, including processing of next-generation sequencing data
• 1-3 years Reliable, organized, and detail-oriented, with the ability to track and manage large numbers of parallel samples and experiments
• 1-3 years Construction of MAGESTIC or comparable pooled, barcoded CRISPR editing libraries

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree In molecular or cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field
• PhD in molecular or cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Less than 1 year Laboratory automation and liquid-handling robotics, Unix / command-line environments, and version control such as git
• Strong foundation in molecular biology, genetics, and synthetic biology, with specific expertise in yeast genome engineering
• Designing and constructing pooled CRISPR editing libraries, including guide RNA and donor / repair design and barcoding schemes
• Programming proficiency in Python and / or R for analysis of high-throughput sequencing and screen data
• Comfortable working in a biosafety-compliant molecular biology laboratory, including aseptic technique and recombinant DNA handling
• Highly organized, reliable, and detail-oriented, with strong written and oral communication and the ability to work both independently and within a milestone-driven, multi-investigator project

Special Conditions Of Employment

• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

“Misconduct” Means Any Violation Of The Policies Governing Employee Conduct At The Applicant’s Previous Place Of Employment, Including, But Not Limited To, Violations Of Policies Prohibiting Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Or Other Forms Of Harassment, Or Discrimination, 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

Job Functions And Percentages Of Time

• 40% Library Construction - Design and build MAGESTIC genome-editing libraries in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Tasks include designing guide RNA and donor / repair sequences and their barcodes, processing synthetic oligonucleotide pools, high-throughput molecular cloning, yeast transformation and strain construction, pooled growth and selection, and preparation of next-generation sequencing libraries. Present results in lab and project meetings as needed.
• 30% Computational Analysis - Develop and run computational pipelines that support library construction and screening. Tasks include automated library and oligonucleotide design, demultiplexing and quality control of sequencing data, barcode and variant counting, statistical analysis of pooled-screen results, and management and documentation of datasets. Typical tools include Python, R, and Unix command-line utilities.
• 15% Laboratory Operations - Maintain and organize shared laboratory equipment and the BioFoundry automation and liquid-handling systems, including calibration, routine servicing, and setup of new instruments. Manage strain and plasmid collections, reagent inventory, and ordering.
• 15% Training - Provide support and training to students and researchers on yeast genome-engineering and MAGESTIC workflows in accordance with laboratory safety and biosafety protocols. Techniques include aseptic technique, yeast transformation and strain handling, library-scale cloning, pooled screening, and sequencing sample preparation. Coordinate with collaborators on the DARPA GO project.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.

As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations – https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

• Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

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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.

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