Stem Cell Genomics Research Associate

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

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.