Staff Research Associates (SRAs) perform laboratory and/or field experimental procedures in support of academically supervised research and teaching in the natural, physical or social sciences; and perform other related duties as required.
Incumbents perform technical determinations and/or make technical observations in one or more fields of scientific endeavor that usually yield technical data about the phenomena under investigation. The fields may include chemistry, physics, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, psychology, biology, geology, bacteriology, and other similar fields. The technical determinations include, for example, biochemical, radiochemical, physical, and biological preparation, examination, and analysis of specimen material. Installation, operation, and maintenance of laboratory and field instruments may be an essential part of the duties. The technical data yielded are used primarily for research and teaching, but the data may also relate to public service, such as patient care or agricultural extension.
The Retrovirology Research Laboratory at UCSF/San Francisco VA is seeking a talented and motivated individual to perform and coordinate multiple projects aimed at understanding the barriers to curing HIV. Under supervision and with training provided, the incumbent will perform and coordinate work on multiple projects. The incumbent will work closely with existing group members, support ongoing projects, and help lay the groundwork for new research opportunities. These projects will center on applying cutting-edge assays to samples from HIV-infected humans and in vitro models in order to investigate the mechanisms that allow HIV to persist despite antiviral therapy and to evaluate new therapeutic approaches. Essential functions include:
- Provide services supportive to the mission of the laboratory, including ordering and maintaining supplies, assisting with compliance and lab safety protocols
- Design and execute experiments using cellular, biochemical, and molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, real time PCR, droplet digital PCR, and other techniques
- Process human biological samples, including isolation of cells from blood and tissues
- Culture cells from patients and/or latency models
- Store and ship samples as needed
- Maintain detailed written record of work performed
- Perform analysis of experiment results and findings, including data collection, entry, and graph creation
- Produce written and oral reports detailing results of experiments and analysis of results
- Adhere to data security requirements
- Perform other duties as assigned
This full-time position will provide a unique exposure to translational medical research and would be ideal for a candidate interested in pursuing medical school, graduate school, or biotechnology industry positions in the future.
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
To see the salary range for this position (we recommend that you make a note of the job code and use that to look up): TCS Non-Academic Titles Search (https://tcs.ucop.edu/non-academic-titles)
Please note: An offer will take into consideration the experience of the final candidate AND the current salary level of individuals working at UCSF in a similar role.
For roles covered by a bargaining unit agreement, there will be specific rules about where a new hire would be placed on the range.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
- Experience with cell culture
- Experience handling DNA and RNA
- Experience with PCR
- BA/BS in a related science and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; and/or equivalent experience/training.
- Knowledge of principles and practice of cellular and molecular biology
- Experience with molecular and cell biology, as gained in school, internship, work, or related activities
- Working knowledge of safety standards in laboratories
- Willingness to work with human blood and tissues
- Excellent organizational skills
- Careful attention to detail; ability to accurately follow experimental protocols
- Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, and priorities to achieve desired goals
- Ability to think creatively, solve problems, and meet deadlines
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills
- Professional and motivated attitude
- Computer literacy with full working knowledge of MS Word and Excel
- Familiar with basic data analysis techniques
- Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.