Staff Research Associate 1 (9613C), Molecular & Cell Biology - 45706 About Berkeley
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Departmental Overview
The Department of Molecular & Cell Biology (MCB) is home to undergraduate and graduate academic programs as well as Faculty Research performed by faculty organized in five divisions:
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology
Cell and Developmental Biology
Genetics, Genomics and Development
Immunology and Pathogenesis
Neurobiology
The teaching and research activities of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) concern the molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms. This agenda covers a broad range of specialized disciplines, including biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, structural biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, cell biology, developmental biology, tumor biology, microbiology, immunology, pathogenesis and neurobiology. The types of living organisms from which the departmental faculty draws its working materials are as diverse as its disciplinary specializations, ranging from viruses and microbes through plants, roundworms, annelids, arthropods, and mollusks to fish, amphibia, and mammals. The faculty of the department is organized into five divisions: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Cell and Developmental Biology; Genetics, Genomics and Development; Neurobiology; and Immunology and Pathogenesis.
The Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) and Integrative Biology (IB) together are among the largest academic departments at UC Berkeley. By several measures (including number of faculty and students, budget, and assigned square feet), these departments are larger than many UCB colleges and schools. The two departments represent over 186 faculty FTE (including Adjuncts, Professors of the Graduate School, active emeriti and 15 HHMI professors); 150 postdocs and other research positions; 375 graduate students; 80 department staff members; and 8 recharge centers. Financial resources include approximately $51M in annual extramural funding (which accounts for over half of the total sponsored research awards in the College of Letters & Science) and over $46M other fund sources. The department has 1,800 declared undergraduate majors (the largest majors on the Berkeley campus) and a total annual enrollment in classes of ~20,000. Department personnel are currently housed in seven buildings located in three widely separated parts of the campus.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: December 2, 2022
Responsibilities
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 and meets with faculty and GSIs to fine-tune lab preparations. The SRA reviews the schedule of lab exercises and prepares materials required for class experiments in immunology. These duties include, but are not limited to:
Teaching Laboratory Preparation
Follow procedures in the preparation manual and gather and prepare materials needed for the setup of the weekly laboratory exercises. Prepare a wide range of complex solutions, sterile media, and biological reagents. Prepare bacterial broth and pour agar plates. Prepare agarose gels for DNA analysis. Set out instruments and supplies in required quantities and in working condition in a timely manner. Replenish depleted supplies in between laboratory sessions. Disassemble and clean used instruments and materials and return them to proper storage space. Work independently after consultation with senior staff, and pre-run experiments to determine optimal conditions for classroom application. Work as part of a team with senior staff to produce and characterize monoclonal antibodies, including immunization and bleeding of mice, assaying serum for antibody content by ELISA, and performing cell fusion. Extract and purify genomic and plasmid DNA, assist with recombinant DNA work; conduct RT-qPCR, restrict fragment mapping, PCR, and DNA sequencing.
Mammalian Cell Culture
Assist senior staff with mammalian cell cultures. Prepare and dispense media and other reagents. Sterilize materials and solutions used in cell culture. Initiate feed, passage, and freeze cultures as needed. Maintain cell lines used in class.
Laboratory Maintenance and General Housekeeping
Maintain cleanliness of work areas and classrooms. Organize work and storage space to promote the efficient and orderly function of the preparation room and classrooms. Perform inventory projects of chemicals, supplies, and equipment including updating inventory in EXCEL and reporting to senior staff regarding restocking or replacement to avoid deficiencies. Obtain needed items from the storeroom or local shops. Pack and label laboratory wastes as instructed. 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, Health & Safety regulations. Participate in end-of-the-semester projects: clean and realign microscopes, clean water baths and PH meters, and other instruments every semester. Check pipetmen for accuracy, etc.
Miscellaneous Duties
Assist senior staff in special projects related to the courses. Assist senior staff in the preparation of the student manual and prep manual. Copy handouts and other materials for the classrooms. Computer competency: Use email to send and receive memos related to job duties. Use Word to update preparation and solution protocols. Use EXCEL to maintain inventories for the class. Prepare labels for classroom equipment. Help other classes supported by the unit as the need arises. Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Experience in preparing large quantities of complex solutions, sterile media, and biological reagents. Experience in using and maintaining a wide variety of instruments and equipment including spectrophotometers, thermal cyclers, microplate readers, microscopes, centrifuges, power supplies, gel boxes, and microscopes. Proficient computer skills in MS Word, and Excel. Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail, ability to carefully follow instructions for setting up experiments, and ability to ensure that all materials are ready and properly prepared so that students will be successful in their laboratory experiments. Effective oral and written communication skills, and ability to develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with faculty, students, supervisors, GSIs, and team members. Ability to consistently exercise a high degree of professionalism in relating to students, graduate student instructors, faculty, and co-workers. Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and resourcefulness in approaching problems. Ability to stay abreast of rapidly changing technology and tools, and to adapt work methods as needed.
Education/Training:
Bachelor's degree in Molecular and Cell Biology or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience/training.
Required Qualifications
Experience working in instruction, or in an academic department of a large institution. Background and/or coursework in immunology.
Salary & Benefits
This is a part-time (20 hours per week), partial-year career position with a one-month furlough that is eligible for UC benefits. This position is non-exempt and paid bi-weekly. The hourly pay for this role is commensurate with experience within the range of $24.88 (step 1.0) - $26.51 (step 4.0). For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html