Staff Research Associate (9612C), Molecular & Cell Biology - 43957 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 Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute (HWNI) is the nexus for campus-wide multidisciplinary neuroscience research at UC Berkeley. Our over 70 faculty members come from 12 different academic departments. This unique cross-departmental structure brings together experts from a variety of fields to use the power of interdisciplinary research to achieve breakthroughs in the study of the brain and the rest of the nervous system and to drive the development of novel treatments and technologies.
We support our faculty in their individual research aims and foster opportunities for collaboration. To facilitate the work of our members and collaborators, HWNI sponsors major research initiatives and runs five innovative neurotechnology and research centers.
The Feller lab studies spontaneous activity in the immature mouse retina. Mice are born with their eyes closed. Light responses are first detected at postnatal day 10 (P10) and their eyes open at P14. During these first two postnatal weeks, immature retinal circuits spontaneously generate propagating bursts of action potentials termed retinal waves. During this same postnatal period, there is tremendous amount of development within the visual system, including formation of retinal circuits that mediate various light responses, as well as sculpting of retinal projections to their primary targets in the brain. Hence, the developing visual system is a premier model system for studying the role of spontaneous activity in the development of functional circuits.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: October 28, 2022
Responsibilities
Mouse breeding and genotyping. Including obtaining tissue from mice and conducting PCR reactions for genotyping the mice
Maintain an up-to-date spread sheet of mouse colony for researchers in lab to use
Train undergraduate student in genotyping
Chemical supply maintenance, including chemical inventory and arranging for disposal of chemicals. Order general lab supplies
Function as lab safety officer, which includes training new researchers in lab safety procedures
Project-based experiment work involving piloting new research methods for the lab.
The goal is the use CRSPR-Cas9 editing techniques to create a mutant mouse.
This means working closely with the FGL facility.
This involves designing a guide RNA (with the help of a graduate student) and working other labs in MCB to use Westerns to check whether the gene editing successfully prevents the expression of protein in the mice.
This latter work is carried out with other staff from the lab.
Required Qualifications
Basic spreadsheet skills
Experience handling animals
Experience conducting PCR reactions
Education/Training:
Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related science or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Some supervisory skills - but not necessary
Experience in mouse colony maintenance
Salary & Benefits
This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position, and eligible for full UC benefits.
This is an exempt, monthly paid position. The annual salary is commensurate with experience.
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit:
https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
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 see:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/ default/files/migrated_files/ employers/poster_screen_ reader_optimized.pdf
For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:
http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct
To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=43957&PostingSeq=1
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