Staff Research Associate 1 (9613C), Molecular and Cell Biology - #79691

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). 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 full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The teaching and research activities of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) concern the molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms.

This agenda covers a broad range of specialized disciplines, including biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, structural biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, cell biology, developmental biology, tumor biology, microbiology, immunology, pathogenesis and neurobiology.

The types of living organisms from which the departmental faculty draws its working materials are as diverse as its disciplinary specializations, ranging from viruses and microbes through plants, roundworms, annelids, arthropods, and mollusks to fish, amphibia, and mammals.

The faculty of the department is organized into five divisions: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Cell and Developmental Biology; Genetics, Genomics and Development; Molecular Therapeutics; and Immunology and Molecular Medicine.

Position Summary

The Staff Research Associate (SRA) will work closely with Dr. Marta Truchado-Garcia at every stage of research projects, from experimental design and data collection to analysis and manuscript preparation. The SRA will also conduct some independent research under the direct supervision Professor Richard Harland and Dr. Truchado-Garcia. In addition, this position includes laboratory management responsibilities to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and proper maintenance of equipment and supplies.

Molecular Biology and Embryo Manipulation
This position requires hands-on experience in molecular biology and familiarity with genome editing and gene expression techniques, including calculations. Responsibilities include, but are not restricted to, preparing nucleic acids and proteins for microinjection, injecting frog embryos, and conducting phenotypic assays using in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence. As Dr. Truchado-Garcia works with multiple model organisms, experience with zebrafish and axolotl is also expected, and willingness to sporadically assist on basic tasks in the mice colony. Also basic knowledge in non-model organisms is also desirable since sporadic assistance with jellyfish may be needed.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: August 7, 2025

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the PI and postdoctoral researcher, the SRA will:

• Assist with experimental design and execution of primary research.
• Perform molecular biology techniques such as subcloning, PCR, cDNA synthesis, RNA synthesis, and genotyping.
• Conduct phenotypic and molecular analysis using whole-mount in situ hybridization, immunostaining, Western blotting, and RT-PCR, TIDE.
• Carry out in vitro fertilization and embryo husbandry in Xenopus laevis (help on Xenopus tropicalis may be sometimes needed), including tissue harvesting and hormone priming.
• Perform embryo microinjection, dissection, culture, and sample preparation.
• Document experimental results using brightfield, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy.
• Assist in zebrafish and axolotl experiments, including, crossing, sorting, microinjection and WISH.
• Maintain organized records, lab notebooks, and sample libraries.
• Contribute to data analysis and assist in preparing figures and text for publication.
• Support lab operations, including ordering supplies, coordinate undergraduate students, and maintaining basic lab organization and equipment. These tasks include onboarding, send plasmids to collaborators. Stay updated on required trainings, and quite an exquisite control of the lab roster.
• Involvement with the undergraduate apprentices in the lab, in relation to their onboarding and assistance on their training. The knowledge on protocols, lab dynamic plus mentoring experience should be enough to assist independently.
• Fast learning, dependable and self-driven.
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least one year of hands-on experience in xenopus and zebrafish.
• Demonstrated experience in molecular biology, including genome editing and gene expression techniques.
• Proficiency in cloning, in situ hybridization, antibody staining, and reagent preparation.
• Experience with embryo microinjection and laboratory maintenance procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent record-keeping.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working with Xenopus (husbandry, IVF, staging, phenotyping, imaging, explants).
• Skilled in microscopy, including confocal and fluorescence imaging, and video documentation.
• Additional experience with zebrafish and axolotl, including cloning, microinjection, and in situ hybridization. Familiarity with sea urchin IVF and embryo maintenance is a plus.
• Demonstrated mentoring and teaching experience at undergraduate level in lab set ups.

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 hourly rate that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.52 (Step 1).

• This is a 1-year, full-time, temporary (limited) position at (40 hours/week).
• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

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.

• The automatic conversion to career status, as provided in Section B.2. above, will not occur when: c. The funding for the position is "one time" funding, of eighteen (18) months or less.
• This is not a visa opportunity.

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.