Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C), Molecular & Cell Biology - #85624

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Departmental Overview

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology is one of UC Berkeley's largest academic departments and is by several measures (including number of the faculty and students, budget, and assigned square feet), larger than many UCB colleges and schools. MCB is divided into five divisions: Neurobiology; Genetics, Genomics & Development; Cell & Developmental Biology; Immunology & Pathogenesis; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.

The Staff Research Associate assists the laboratory researchers in their mouse projects being primarily responsible for assisting with the identification and maintenance of different mouse colonies. The candidate also assists with behavioral and metabolic tests. The candidate's actions will be valuable by assisting with deliverables determinant to better understand mechanisms of aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

Position Summary

The Staff Research Associate 2 assists the laboratory researchers in their mouse projects being primarily responsible for assisting and maintenance of different mouse colonies. Provides comprehensive technical research support in a laboratory setting, managing a mouse colony and executing a wide range of in vivo and in vitro experiments. Applies established and evolving techniques in molecular biology, histology, and animal research, while supporting protocol development, compliance, and lab operations. Trains junior personnel and contributes to data generation, analysis, and reporting under general supervision of the Principal Investigator.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: April 29, 2026

Responsibilities

• Management of laboratory mouse colony including assisting researchers in daily handling, ordering supplies, animals and equipment, detailed inventorying of animals and coordinating animal numbers for experiments.

• Review literature and maintain current techniques with respect to mouse research. Assist in writing and updating IACUC protocols within required specifications.

• Process and prepare mouse tissues for molecular and histological applications including fixation, cryoprotection, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence staining, and assist with microscopy imaging and documentation of experimental results. Conduct molecular biology experiments including DNA and RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, quantitative PCR (qPCR), gel electrophoresis, and western blot.

• Assist with all aspects of colony management and breeding including transgenic crosses, genotyping, monitoring colony for new pups, pregnancy and health status, weaning and notifying investigator regarding animal status. Assist with all aspects of mouse handling and husbandry including administering special diets, weighing and documenting physical condition and providing specialized treatment when necessary.

• Assist with the design and execution of mouse experimental work including behavioral testing, dosing (IP, PO, IV etc), blood and tissue collection, and dissection of specific tissues including hypothalamic and other brain regions for downstream analyses such as molecular biology, biochemistry, and histology. Maintain and culture mammalian cell lines including routine passaging, cryopreservation, and preparation of cells for experimental assays.

• Maintain laboratory operations including preparation of reagents and buffers, troubleshooting and maintaining research equipment, and managing laboratory computing infrastructure including shared computers, servers, and research data storage systems.

• Database entry and maintenance.

• Train and assist students and laboratory personnel in mouse handling, experimental techniques, and general laboratory procedures while maintaining organized research records and assisting with preparation of data for reports, presentations, and publications.

• Provide support to laboratory personnel for specialized procedures, and may be asked to assist lab personnel with experiments in C. elegans, molecular biology, protein

• Participate in professional development activities including travel to external laboratories or training sites to acquire and implement new experimental techniques.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to collect, organize and maintain accurate research data with attention to detail.

• Theoretical knowledge of genetics, biochemistry, neurobiology, cell biology, molecular biology or related field.

• A strong work ethic, excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to function within an interdisciplinary team are essential.

• Ability to self-motivate and work across teams successfully.

• Strong computer skills using MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, SoftMouse, etc.

• At least 3 years' experience working with laboratory rodents.

• At least 2 years' experience writing and submitting IACUC protocols.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & 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 annual salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $65,155.55 - $66,500.17, Step 1 - 2.

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.

• This is a full-time, Career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.

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. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

• This position is eligible for up to 10% remote work, averaged over the course of a month (typically structured in partial days or limited full days). Specific scheduling will be determined in partnership with the supervisor to meet operational and departmental needs and is subject to change.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.