Staff Research Associate - 140910

100% Limited appointment for 5 months with the possibility of extension or conversion to career status.

About the role

The Staff Research Associate will carry out research under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) on lung development, regeneration, aging and disease in the mouse. Incumbent will manage lab flow cytometry and cell sorting capabilities; run fluorescence-activated cell sort (FACS) and ex vivo 3D co-culture assays in the evaluation and fibroblast contribution to epithelial progenitor growth and differentiation. Incumbent will also operate and perform standard studies on a FACS for various PIs (Principal Investigators) within the Division of Biological Sciences. Additionally, incumbent will generate data, analyze results, and present results at lab meetings.

This position is responsible for organizing and maintaining the lab, monitoring lab expenditures, and serving as lab biohazard and safety coordinator. Incumbent will train and manage undergraduate research assistants and assist others in their experiments.

Responsibilities

• Manage lab flow cytometry and cell sorting capabilities
• Run fluorescence-activated cell sort (FACS) and ex vivo 3D co-culture assays
• Operate and perform standard studies on a FACS for various PIs within the Division of Biological Sciences
• Generate, analyze, and present research data at lab meetings
• Organize and maintain the lab, monitor lab expenditures
• Serve as lab biohazard and safety coordinator
• Train and manage undergraduate research assistants
• Assist others in their experiments
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, and genetics, including relevant laboratory techniques, acquired through a BS in Biology or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience
• Experience working with infectious agents of BL2/BL2+ using in vivo models
• Proven ability to independently participate in the execution of research projects or portions of such projects, planning, organizing, and performing experiments, and selecting data for analysis
• Experience in sterile technique for the propagation of prokaryotic and mammalian cells
• Extensive knowledge of specialized scientific terminology relating to molecular biology, cell biology, and animal physiology
• Experience working with mice as a research model system, including genotyping, maintaining mouse lines, and performing surgery and dissection
• Proven ability to utilize scientific literature and apply it to a research project
• Experience conducting scientific literature searches, including online databases and other resources
• Ability to develop, follow, and troubleshoot established lab protocols and procedures with direction from PI
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to keep clear and accurate records, organize a varied workload, follow written and oral protocols, and give oral presentations on research progress
• Proven ability to prioritize and schedule experiments and duties to maximize efficiency
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to interact well with others and facilitate communication about lab requirements
• Familiarity with Apple and PC computers and associated word processing and spreadsheet software, with willingness to update and increase skills as needed
• Demonstrated ability to hire and manage undergraduate student employees
• Skill to train others in various lab techniques and procedures (safety precautions, preparation of media, dishwashing, equipment usage, laboratory maintenance, etc.)
• Knowledge and experience with Safety Data Sheets, hazard communication, and Injury and Illness Prevention Program
• Familiarity with a Chemical Hygiene Plan addressing safety precautions, including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, and use of protective items
• Willingness and ability to keep safety training current and consistent with research involvement
• Experience and knowledge of proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, biochemicals, hazardous chemicals, and biohazardous materials, including radioactive materials
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the housing and management of laboratory animals as applied to the University of California
• Sensitivity to the needs of caged laboratory animals in compliance with AAALAC standards
• Skill and knowledge to proactively maintain an organized lab and stocks of essential supplies and media, purchase new equipment, and ensure lab equipment is operating effectively
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in matters related to work

Special Conditions

• Must be willing to work with mice and be comfortable with their use as experimental animals
• Must be willing and able to work safely with BL2 level viral and known carcinogens used for gene activation
• Must be willing to use various lung injury models
• Flexible work schedule required
• Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by research project needs
• Must be able to work on feet all day and safely lift mouse cages

Pay

Hiring Pay Scale: $62,890.56 - $65,604.96 per year

Annual Full Pay Range: $62,891 - $75,022 (prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $30.12 - $35.93

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Schedule

• 8 hours/day, Monday - Friday
• 100% appointment