Senior Research Associate & Lab Manager (9611C), Innovative Genomics Institute - #70368 Job Listing at University of California in Berkeley, CA (Job ID 70368)

Description

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

The IGI brings together a diverse group of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of California, Davis. Our scientists, leveraging their combined expertise, conduct world-class research with a focus on using genome engineering to treat human diseases, eradicate hunger, and address climate change.

Position Summary

The Senior Research Associate will be a key member of a multidisciplinary research team dedicated to advancing the understanding of human microbiome interactions using organoid models. This position is essential for developing and refining organoid models from stem cells, thereby enhancing our ability to model human biology and disease. The Senior Research Associate will drive research and innovation in stem cell biology and organoid technology, contributing to translational research efforts aimed at improving the understanding and treatment of various diseases. Responsible for cultivating organoid cultures, conducting molecular biology experiments, and preparing samples for high-throughput DNA sequencing. Designs and performs independent experiments that align with the project's broader objectives. Additionally, as a lab manager, the Senior Research Associate will oversee daily laboratory operations, maintain equipment, and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 07/01/2024.

Responsibilities

Experimental Design and Execution:

• The Senior Research Associate focuses on human microbiome interactions using organoid models and is responsible for cultivating organoid cultures, performing molecular biology experiments, and preparing samples for high-throughput DNA sequencing. 
• Conducts independent experiments that align with broader project objectives. 
• The Senior Research Associate will design, plan, and execute experiments in organoid biology, molecular genetics, and microbiome analysis. 
• This includes analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and contributing to the progress of research projects.
• Additionally, they will make innovative contributions in techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce specific mutations in organoid models for functional studies. 
• Develops and validates robust assays for functional characterization of organoids, including live-cell imaging and single-cell RNA sequencing. 
• Perform functional analyses of organoid models to study the effects of genetic modifications or drug treatments on cellular processes.

Laboratory Management:

• As a lab manager, manages daily laboratory operations, which include maintaining equipment, managing inventory, enforcing safety protocols, and coordinating lab schedules and resources to ensure efficient functionality.

Leading Other Employees:

• Oversees junior researchers, associates, and undergraduates, offering guidance, ensuring projects stay on schedule, and promoting a collaborative and productive work environment.

Training New Lab Members:

• Trains new lab members in relevant techniques, protocols, and safety procedures, ensuring they become proficient contributors to the research team and uphold a high standard of work quality.

Required Qualifications 

• Strong foundation in stem cell biology, organoid technology, and molecular biology, with the ability to design and execute experiments related to the development, cultivation, and analysis of organoid models.
• Proficiency in organoid culture techniques, including stem cell differentiation, organoid maintenance, and advanced imaging methods, as well as fundamental bioinformatics analyses for quality control and data interpretation.
• Experience in cultivating diverse organoid models, including stem cell differentiation, culture maintenance, and growth optimization under various conditions.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) exempt career position, which is paid monthly and eligible for UC 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 salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $64,496.38 (Step 1) - $90,277.06 (Step 18).

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.