Staff Research Associate 4 - 129860

Payroll Title:

SRA 4

Department:

SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Hiring Pay Scale

$70,915 - $88,125 / Year

Worksite:

Campus

Appointment Type:

Career

Appointment Percent:

100%

Union:

RX Contract

Total Openings:

1

Work Schedule:

Days, 8:00am

• 4:30pm , Mon

• Fri, overtime as needed

#129860 Staff Research Associate 4

Filing Deadline: Wed 5/29/2024

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UC San Diego values equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 5/17/24 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 5/29/24. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

In collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI), the Staff Research Associate will be responsible for independently directing and developing experimental workflows to investigate the fundamental mechanisms of cell biology in disease, with a particular focus on neurodegeneration and hearing loss. Incumbent will independently administer in vivo electrophysiology testing in animal models; and independently design and execute tissue dissections, tissue cryosectioning, tissue antibody staining, high resolution confocal imaging, as well as IP and AAV injection surgeries on rodent models. Incumbent will independently conduct advanced image analysis. Incumbent will perform various molecular biology techniques such as: RNA and Western Blots, genotyping assays. Incumbent will also assist in the drafting of texts for manuscripts and grant proposals.

The incumbent will additionally be responsible for mouse colony maintenance as well as general laboratory administrative and maintenance tasks. Additional functions include onboarding and training new lab members, ordering reagents, maintaining the lab inventory, oversee maintenance of the mouse colony, and ensuring that supplies are ordered in a timely manner. The incumbent will handle tasks related to EH&S to ensure the lab is compliant with safety requirements.

Incumbent will train and provide work direction to undergraduate and postgraduate researchers, and perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Expert theoretical and demonstrated knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, including relevant laboratory techniques, acquired through a B.S. in Biology or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience. Graduate degree is preferred.

• Extensive demonstrated experience, skill and knowledge in successfully carrying out independent research in molecular biology and cell biology, acquired through a combination of extensive study and experience.

• Extensive knowledge of in vivo methods and tissue analyses.

• Demonstrated experience in working with rodent models and surgeries including IP and AAV injections.

• Demonstrated ability to independently perform functional assays to probe protein quality and function using established methods.

• Demonstrated experience with mice as research model systems.

• Strong knowledge of high-resolution confocal imaging of peripheral and central neural tissues, dissections, staining, and analyzing imaging data.

• Demonstrated detailed conceptual/theoretical research experience, including independent experimental ability to successfully perform research techniques including but not limited to RNA, Western blotting, genotyping assays, PCR, RT-PCR, molecular cloning, genetic crosses,live imaging, protein purification, enzymology, various recombinant DNA techniques, protein gels, and confocal microscopy.

• Extensive demonstrated experience with general laboratory equipment including spectrophotometers, centrifuges, balances, autoclaves, and pH meters.

• Demonstrated ability to independently develop, follow, and troubleshoot established lab protocols and lab procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to provide work direction to student workers. Skill to train others in basic lab support techniques and procedures (preparing media and solutions, dishwashing, equipment usage, etc.).

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability in using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a research team and interact effectively with collaborating labs and others in scientific community.

• Excellent organizational and administrative skills. Demonstrated skill to set up and maintain computerized and hard copy record keeping systems, and keep clear and accurate records.

• Skill and knowledge to proactively maintain an organized lab and stocks of essential supplies and media, purchase new equipment, and ensure lab equipment is operating effectively.

• Strong knowledge of purchasing and reimbursement procedures. Demonstrated ability to maintain purchasing records and monitor lab expenditures.

• Experience in working with computers (Mac and PC) and software using graphics, word processing, spreadsheet, and internet programs with a willingness and ability to update and increase skills and knowledge as needed.

• Experience and knowledge of proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, biochemicals, hazardous chemicals, and biohazardous materials including radioactive materials.

• Demonstrated ability to record scientific data in a well-organized laboratory notebook. Demonstrated organizational skills to keep clear and accurate records.

• Strong knowledge of Cal-OSHA and UCSD EH&S safety requirements including MSDSs, hazard communication, laboratory safety precautions (i.e., appropriate clothing and shoes, use of protective items such as gloves and goggles as well as basic first aid procedures). Experience and knowledge of proper handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, biochemicals, hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials. Ability to train personnel in correct safetyprecautions. Willingness and ability to keep safety training current and consistent with research involvement.

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment

• Experience in data analysis and developing non-standard data analysis pipelines such as AI-assisted segmentation of datasets.

• Expertise in bioinformatics and neuronal biology

• Demonstrated ability to manage a scientific project autonomously from beginning to end, with the ability to act independently and exercise sound judgment and prioritize and excellent organizational skills necessary to keep accurate records of experimental procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to develop, follow and trouble-shoot established lab protocols and lab procedures with limited direction from PI.

• Excellent skill and ability to conduct scientific literature searches using libraries and specialized research tools and databases on the internet.

• Sensitivity to the needs and humane treatment of caged laboratory animals in compliance with AAALAC standards. Demonstrated experience in mouse colony handling, care, breeding, and management. Demonstrated ability to follow guidelines for care of laboratory animals.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to work with small rodents (mice) as research subjects.

• Must be willing to work occasional overtime (evening or weekend) as required by particular experiments.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $70,915 - $114,133 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $33.96 - $54.66

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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