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Departmental Overview
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.
The types of living organisms from which the departmental faculty draws its working materials range from viruses and microbes through plants, roundworms, annelids, arthropods, and mollusks to fish, amphibia, and mammals.
Position Summary
The SRA2 conducts experiments to investigate the mechanisms by which the intracellular pathogen Rickettsia parkeri manipulates the structures of its host cells. The candidate will perform a wide variety of standard experiments in the field of molecular and cell biology, including in the following areas: microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and imaging. In addition, the job will involve supervision of laboratory assistants. Finally, some administrative work is required, including ordering supplies, equipment maintenance, lab database maintenance, and EH&S compliance.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: July 17, 2024
Responsibilities
Conduct experiments:
- Responsible for experimental work in the field of molecular and cell biology, including in the areas of: microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and imaging.
- Performs biochemical experiments involving protein purification and fluorometric assays for enzymatic activity.
- Troubleshoots experiments and consults with others and/or probe the literature to look for alternative solutions.
- Collect, compile and analyze data: Document results of experiments and analyze data; interprets findings.
Lab Management:
- Responsible for assisting with management of a small lab, including ordering supplies, lab database maintenance, equipment maintenance, and EH&S compliance.
Supervision and Collaboration:
- Responsible for providing work guidance the work lab assistants. Collaboratively contribute to research projects with graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and the PI.
Meetings:
- Will attend weekly lab meetings, journal clubs, and DEI meetings.
- Will meet daily to weekly on an individual basis with the PI.
- Presents findings in weekly lab meeting and may attend local scientific conferences.
Required Qualifications
- Experience in culturing E. coli and molecular biology (culturing, bacterial growth assays, transformation, plasmid preparation, molecular cloning, PCR); protein expression in E. coli; protein purification; standard biochemical assays including SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and enzymatic assays; and mammalian cell culture (culturing cell lines and primary cells, transfections).
- Ability to perform work without technical supervision, ability to troubleshoot experimental protocols, ability to modify protocols to meet research project goals.
- Excellent communication skills, including in keeping written records, and in verbal communication regarding experimental methods, results, and data analysis.
- Excellent organization skills, including in keeping laboratory notebooks and records.
- General computer skills (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, cloud-based Google apps) for keeping track of results and sharing progress, including use of electronic laboratory inventory systems.
- Bachelor's degree in Molecular and Cell Biology or related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with bacterial pathogens and infection of mammalian cells with bacteria; fluorescence microscopy (using fluorescent proteins and vital stains), immunofluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy.
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 $60,245.54 (Step 1) - $96,914.75 (Step 25).
How to Apply
- To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
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
- This is not a visa opportunity.
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.
The University of California's Affirmative action policy.
The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.
