Staff Research Associate 3

Department: Neuroscience Research Institute

Location: Biological Sciences II building, Room 3156
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Hybrid work arrangement

About the role

Full-time Staff Research Associate 3 position in the laboratory of Associate Professor Maxwell Wilson, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. The role designs and builds genome-editing libraries in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) using the MAGESTIC platform and performs computational analysis supporting a DARPA-funded synthetic biology project (DARPA GO) that engineers light-controlled genetic systems in yeast.

Responsibilities

• Design and build MAGESTIC genome-editing libraries in budding yeast, including guide RNA and donor/repair sequences and barcodes, processing synthetic oligonucleotide pools, high-throughput molecular cloning, yeast transformation and strain construction, pooled growth and selection experiments, and preparation of next-generation sequencing libraries.
• Develop and run computational pipelines for library design, barcode and variant counting, statistical analysis of pooled-screen results, and dataset management using Python, R, and Unix command-line utilities.
• Maintain shared laboratory instruments, automation and liquid-handling systems, strain and plasmid collections, reagent inventory, and general laboratory upkeep.
• Train students and researchers in yeast genome-engineering and MAGESTIC workflows, including aseptic technique, yeast transformation, library-scale cloning, pooled screening, and sequencing sample preparation.
• Coordinate with project collaborators and ensure regulatory and biosafety compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular or cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field; equivalent experience/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 (e.g., 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 next-generation sequencing data.
• Reliable, organized, and detail-oriented with ability to track and manage large numbers of parallel samples and experiments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in molecular or cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Experience with laboratory automation and liquid-handling robotics, Unix/command-line environments, and version control (e.g., git).
• Strong foundation in molecular biology, genetics, and synthetic biology, with expertise in yeast genome engineering.
• Designing and constructing pooled CRISPR editing libraries, including guide RNA and donor/repair design and barcoding schemes.
• 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 with strong written and oral communication skills, able to work independently and within a milestone-driven, multi-investigator project.

Benefits

Full benefits eligibility, including excellent retirement and health plans. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC.

Pay

The budgeted salary range for this position is $75,437.68 to $86,680.15 per year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience, the budget for the position, and application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices. The full salary range for this position is $75,437.68 to $121,313.85 per year.