Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C) - #65365

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

Department of Integrative Biology is a dynamic group of researchers answering important questions in evolutionary, ecological and functional biology in an interdisciplinary collaborative environment. 1B shares rich connections with 4 natural history museums, and is a leading force in promoting field research and educational opportunities. We address problems relevant to human health and origins, the diversity of life, and biological interactions at all scales.

Position Summary

Research technician to manage research lab and supervise cricket colony maintenance and artificial selection experiments.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 03/11/2024.

Responsibilities

• Develop and carry out independent research on crickets, in collaboration with co-Pis of NSF grant.

• Develops protocols for a new biochemical assay.

• Monitors colony to ensure no long-term health problems and conditions.

• DNA extractions, qPCR, library preparations for genomic sequencing.

• Based on results re-designs breeding experiments.

• Cricket colony maintenance: Preparing cricket food and husbandry materials for all cricket colonies, supervise work study student(s) as they carry out colony maintenance and basic animal care, help with cricket colony care and maintenance as required.

• Gathers, analyzes, prepares and summarizes data on cricket colony outputs (e.g. total numbers, morph and sex ratios), and outcomes of breeding experiments.

• Participates in lab meetings, cricket team meetings, student meetings, and individual meetings with the PI.

• Lab management - purchasing, inventory maintenance, health and safety, student training, reimbursements.

• Participate in professional development activities.

Required Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for science.

• Basic knowledge of animal ecology and evolution.

• Excellent record keeping skills.

• Ability to work in a collaborative team, take direction, and supervise students.

• Good communication skills and ability to accept feedback.

• Open to participating in activities designed to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM.

• Incumbents are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the positions. These skills, knowledge, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of extensive study and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in husbandry of insects or other animals, and bench skills including RNAi development.

• Research experience and coursework in biochemistry, physiology, ecology and evolution.

• Ability to read, interpret and synthesize primary scientific literature.

• Coursework or experience in data management and analysis, especially using R.

• Demonstrated science communication skills.

• Interest in carrying out independent scientific research and participating in professional development.

• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field and/or equivalent experience/training.

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) - $60,875.16 (Step 3).

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.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

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.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.