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Staff Research Associate 2 (9617C), Molecular & Cell Biology - #64459

University of California Berkeley

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 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) is one of UC Berkeley’s largest academic departments and is by several measures (including number of the faculty and students, budget, and assigned square feet), larger than many UCB colleges and schools. MCB is divided into six divisions: Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology (BBS); Cell Biology, Development & Physiology (CDP); Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development (GGED); Immunology and Molecular Medicine (IMM); Neurobiology (NEU); and Molecular Therapeutics (MTx). The teaching and research activities of the Department of MCB concern the molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: February 28, 2024

Responsibilities

Laboratory Preparation for Neurobiology Lab (MCB 160L, Introduction to Human Physiology Lab (MCB 32L) and Mammalian Neuroanatomy Lab (MCB 163L):

  • Under the direction of senior staff and working as part of a cooperative team, the SRA meets with senior staff on a regular basis to discuss the preparation of lab exercises. 
  • Review schedule of lab exercises and prepare materials required for class experiments.
  • Set up physiological equipment (amplifiers, oscilloscopes, stimulators, manipulators, microscopes, computers, cameras, dissecting instruments etc.).
  • Test equipment prior to and after student usage.
  • Assist in maintaining neuronal cell lines in culture.
  • Prepare a wide range of biological materials and solutions.
  • Care for and prepare live materials for lab sessions (crayfish, frog, chick embryo, rat brain). 
  • Fabricate and test intracellular and extracellular electrodes for neuronal recording.
  • Assist in the update of preparation procedures. Perform various molecular biology techniques to isolate cDNAs from plasmids in bacteria.
  • Purify and cut DNA to prepare for making mRNA for oocyte expression labs.
  • Run gels, setup restriction enzymes digests, and keep lab notebooks or results and yields.
  • Assist in animal handling as well as frog pithing needed for student labs in each of those lab courses.
  • Assist with a variety of lab set-ups for MCB 160L, 163L, and 32L.
  • Disassembly of experimental setup at the end of the lab exercise: clean classrooms thoroughly and put away equipment and unused supply items in the designated storage cabinets, shelves and drawers.
  • Clean used equipment and supply items.

Laboratory Maintenance (MCB 160L, 32L and 163):

  • Ensure that supplies and equipment are present in the classroom in the required quantities and in working condition for each laboratory session.
  • Replenish depleted supplies in between laboratory sessions and maintain cleanliness of work areas and classroom.
  • Collect, package, and dispose hazardous waste material according to established protocols.
  • Inventory supplies used in the classroom.
  • Obtain needed items from the storeroom or local shops.
  • Maintain equipment and supply inventory by using Excel.
  • Conduct inventory projects of chemicals, supplies and equipment in a timely manner and report to senior staff regarding restocking or replacement to avoid deficiencies.
  • Maintain and track the chemical and equipment inventory for the undergraduate Neurobiology and Cell and Developmental Biology laboratories in MCB.
  • Test new equipment for functionality and any required adjustments or calibrations must be done ahead of the laboratory courses to facilitate student use.

General Housekeeping (MCB 160L, 32L and 163):

  • Assist in maintaining cleanliness of work areas.
  • After consultation with senior staff direct activities of work study student to do general glassware washing, autoclaving and other routine lab maintenance chores.
  • Participate in end-of-the-semester projects.
  • Clean and check all the equipment, and perform minor repair when appropriate.
  • Organize work and storage space to promote efficient and orderly function of the preparation room and classrooms
  • Work with senior staff and safety officer to ensure classroom and preparation room are free of hazards and laboratory practices are in compliance with campus Environment and Health & Safety regulations.

Teaching Lab Related Projects:

  • Assist senior staff in special projects related to the courses.
  • Participate in the design and troubleshooting of new experiments before their introduction into the respective laboratory course.
  • Copy handouts and other materials for the classrooms.
  • Use email and bCal to send and receive memos and notices of meetings related to job duties.
  • Update inventory in EXCEL.
  • Use Word to write memos and update protocols.
  • Maintain files (images, documents, etc.) in organized folders on computers, transfer necessary materials between computers for the courses, and remove obsolete student files at the end of each semester.
  • Assist with implementing unit/course website and help the unit with minor computer problems/issues.
  • Complete other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Experience in preparing complex solutions and biological materials.
  • Working experience in a laboratory.
  • Familiarity with the performance of basic laboratory procedures and experimental techniques.
  • Recent experience in working with neurophysiology instrumentation. (amplifiers, oscilloscopes, stimulators, manipulators, microscopes, computers, cameras, dissecting instruments) and contemporary neurobiology techniques.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, analytical ability, and mechanical aptitude.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills, and ability to develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with faculty, students, supervisors, and team members.
  • Ability to consistently exercise a high degree of professionalism in relating to students, graduate student instructors, faculty, and co-workers.
  • Electronics and computer experience (Macintosh, Excel) are highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and resourcefulness in approaching problems.
  • Demonstrated understanding and ability to stay abreast of rapidly changing technology and tools.

Education/Training:

  • Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences with an emphasis in neurobiology or related field and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in instruction, or in an academic department of a large institution.
  • Computer science background or related experience.

Salary & 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 $28.04 (step 1.0) - $30.95 (step 6.0).

  • This is a 50%, part-time (20 hours per week), partial-year career position that is eligible for UC benefits.
  • This position is non-exempt and paid bi-weekly.
  • This position includes a one-month furlough in June.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

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.

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.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.

Referral Source info

This job is part of the Employee Referral Program. If a UC Berkeley employee is referring you, please ensure you select the Referral Source of "UCB Employee". Then enter the employee's Name and Berkeley email address in the Specific Referral Source field. Please enter only one name and email.

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