Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C) - 69214 About Berkeley
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Departmental Overview
The Department of Integrative Biology (IB) is part of the College of Letters and Science. Its focus on biological integration and diversity encompasses the full spectrum of biological organization (e.g., from molecular to biosphere) for organisms ranging from viruses to plants and animals. The faculty represent a wide range of expertise, including paleontology, population genetics, physiology, anatomy, human biology and health sciences, and organismal, ecological, and evolutionary botany and zoology.
Position Summary
The Shapira lab studies host - microbiome interactions using the nematode C. elegans as a model host.
The Research Associate will be responsible for conducting experiments with C. elegans, raising them in compost microcosms or on synthetic bacterial communities and using next generation sequencing to characterize the assembly of their gut microbiotas during development.
Additionally, the SRA is responsible for helping in characterizing the involvement of genes regulated by the worm's TGFbeta/SMA pathway on shaping the worm gut microbiota.
Alongside this research work, takes part in preparation of reagents, maintenance of equipment and similar routine chores that are part of the work in the lab.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: 05/30/2024.
Responsibilities
Responsible for conducting experiments with C. elegans, uses next generation sequencing to characterize the assembly of their gut microbiotas during development. Prepares 16S amplicon libraries for next generation sequencing. Analyzing NGS data using various tools for computational biology, expanding lab expertise with such tools. Characterizes the involvement of genes regulated by the worm's TGFbeta/SMA pathway on shaping the worm gut microbiota. Worm handling, raising worms in microcosms, preparing compost for microcosm experiments, collecting compost and worm sampling, surface sterilizing the latter. Maintains worm strains for experiments related to either one of the two projects described under Position Summary. Other duties as assigned including preparation of reagents, maintenance of equipment and lab management duties.
Required Qualifications
Extensive knowledge of C. elegans biology. Extensive skills in next generation sequencing. Proficient computer skills including, but not limited to R coding, Ciime, DADA2, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Creative thinking, independent judgment, and critical analysis to provide suggestions work, protocols or materials to faculty. Demonstrated ability to be proactive, to work independently or as part of a team, organize work assignments, establish priorities, develop appropriate recommendations and solutions, and ensure completion of multiple projects to meet deadlines. Ability to maintain accuracy and careful attention to planning and detail. Effective interpersonal, communication skills, oral and written. Ability to develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with students, faculty and staff, including individuals from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds. Ability to accurately make chemical solutions and dilutions. Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of safety and EH&S procedures, processes, regulations and policies. An individual with significant research experience.
Salary & Benefits
This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) exempt career position, which is paid monthly and eligible for UC 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 $58,490.82 (Step 1) - $74,212.56 (Step 13).