Staff Research Associate 3 (9611C), Innovative Genomics Institute - #73849

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

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) brings together a diverse group of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of California, Davis. Our scientists, leveraging their combined expertise, conduct world-class research with a focus on using genome engineering to treat human diseases, eradicate hunger, and address climate change.

Position Summary

The Staff Research Associate III will co-direct a multidisciplinary research team developing novel organoid and stem cell screening platforms to study gut inflammation. Additionally, the Staff Research Associate III will develop and implement CRISPR-based and transposon-based genetic engineering techniques in stem cells and organoids. The responsibilities of the SRA3 will include the cultivation of stem cells and organoids, the design and application of constructs for precision genetic engineering of stem cells and organoids, designing and performing independent experiments, and coordinating the work of technicians and undergraduates.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 11/05/2024.

Responsibilities

Experimental Design and Execution:

• Directs a multidisciplinary research team developing novel organoid and stem cell screening platforms to study gut inflammation; envelop and implement CRISPR-based and transposon-based genetic engineering techniques in stem cells and organoids.
• Primarily be responsible for designing and performing experiments in stem cells, organoids, and immune cells.
• This work will have three main phases, (1) design of plasmids and editing strategies to be used to build screening platforms in stem cells and organoids, (2) performing and validating these genomic modifications and (3) optimizing medium/high throughput screening assays using these engineered stem cells and organoids.

Leading other Employees:

• After developing and optimizing screening platforms, the SRA III will oversee junior researchers running these assays.

Data Analysis and Preparation of Scientific Presentations:

• The SRA III will be responsible for analyzing data from screening assays and preparing presentations of the results.

Review of Scientific Literature:

• The SRA III will be responsible for identifying and reading relevant scientific literature and presenting updates on the state of the field to the research team.

Required Qualifications

• Culture and CRISPR editing of stem cells and/or organoids.
• Experience designing and implementing genome engineering in primary cells.
• Specifically, a background in designing complex constructs and integrating them into targeted genomic loci will be essential for this position.
• Strong foundation in stem cell biology, molecular biology, and the ability to design and execute experiments independently.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience training and mentoring undergraduates and technicians.
• PhD in related area 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 annual salary that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $66,431.27 (Step 1) - $100,659.95 (Step 22).

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 recruitment has 2 openings.
• This position is eligible for up to 20% remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

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.