Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C) - 76759
About Berkeley
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 make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.
We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). 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 full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.
Departmental Overview
The Department of Neuroscience, which launched in July 2024, advances our understanding of the brain, mind, and behavior through research, education and training. Our faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers study how the brain functions in health and disease, how it generates behavior and thought, and how it computes. We investigate the nervous system on levels ranging from molecules and cells, to neural circuits and systems, to behavior and cognition, to neural computation. We also develop neurotechnology and explore the impacts of neuroscience on society.
Position Summary
The SRA is responsible for performing human stem cell and brain organoid cultures of cell lines derived from individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. The goal of the project is to understand how different patient mutations affect the development and function of brain cells.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: 03/24/2025.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for the maintenance, culture, and quality control of multiple human pluripotent stem cell lines (hiPSCs).
- Quality control checks include verifying genomic integrity, genotype, and pluripotency status.
- Differentiating hiPSC lines into human forebrain organoids and maintaining the organoids in culture for up to four to six months. Ensuring that cultures develop properly and are free from contamination.
- Analyzing neuronal development in brain organoids through biochemical and imaging experiments including western blotting and immunohistochemistry. This may include optimizing antibody concentrations and immunostaining protocols.
- Performing quality control checks on cell lines and organoids including ensuring genomic integrity with karyotyping and array-CGH, assessing gene expression by qPCR, and validating differentiation capacity by immunostaining of cell type markers.
- Performing lab maintenance and management functions including monitoring and ordering supplies and scheduling equipment maintenance and repair.
Required Qualifications
- Expertise with mammalian cell culture (preferably primary cell culture).
- Expertise with molecular biology experiments (including PCR and qPCR).
- Strong understanding of neurobiology or developmental biology.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to use Google Docs, Sheets & Slides and other professional software including Zoom, Slack, etc.
- Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry or related field and/or equivalent experience/training.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with immunostaining, confocal imaging and image analysis.
- Experience with biochemical approaches including western blotting.
Salary & Benefits
This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) exempt career position, which is paid monthly at an annual rate and is eligible for UC Benefits.
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6071211&targetURL=
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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $60,245.54 (Step 1) - $79,493.42 (Step 15).
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.
Misconduct
SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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:
https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6071211&targetURL=
SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
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 https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6071211&targetURL=U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.
The University of California's Affirmative action policy.
The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.
To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=76759&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=21&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant
