Staff Research Associate (9612C) - 65283

Staff Research Associate (9612C) - 65283 About Berkeley
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Departmental Overview
In the Department of Integrative Biology, we explore the diversity of life to understand our origins, improve our quality of life, and conserve our natural ecosystems. How is it, working from the same basic building blocks, that evolution has produced blue whales and blue cheese? Lichens and lyrebirds? Penicillin and pangolins? From the molecules that make up our DNA to the vast array of species that live and have lived on our planet, researchers in 1B work worldwide in the field, in our world-class museums, and in pioneering laboratories, to drive breakthroughs in the natural sciences.
Diversity is the core of Integrative Biology. We are committed to not only studying the diversity of life, but to celebrating and supporting the diversity of people who make up our community and broader society. In this way, the Department of Integrative Biology aims to be part of the solution towards a more equitable, just, and inclusive vision of science.
Position Summary
The Kaufer lab is part of the Integrative Biology department and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and studies stress, plasticity, resilience, aging, blood brain barrier dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Among our projects is a newly funded R0l grant that aims to combine human and mouse models in the study of blood brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in aging and Alzheimer's disease, in a collaboration with the Jagust lab. The Research Associate will also provide research support to the graduate student working on this grant as well as carry out experiments related to this grant on their own.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: 03/08/2024.
Responsibilities
Conduct independent scientific work in areas such as, but not limited to:
Animal care, including breeding, weaning, and feeding of the experimental mice. Quantify gene and protein expression in tissue collected from transgenic mice carrying an amyloid or tau mutation using VINE-seq, RNA-seq, ELISA, and/or Western blots. Designs and carries out novel and innovative scientific experiments relevant to the interests of the lab. Assists writing scientific posters and papers to communicate findings; helps evaluate scientific papers relevant to the research.
Collaborate with the graduate student on scientific work in areas such as, but not limited to:
Optimization of BBB quantification methods in mouse tissue, which will include the techniques of injection and transcardial perfusion. Running behavioral assays to test cognitive function in mice, including the Morris water maze, Barnes maze, and spontaneous alternation T-test. Tissue collection, cryosectioning, and staining for immunohistochemical assays. Animal MRI and PET imaging for longitudinal studies of amyloid/tau, BBB permeability, and structure. Quantify gene and protein expression in tissue collected from transgenic mice carrying an amyloid or tau mutation using VINE-seq, RNA-seq, ELISA, and/or Western blots.
Required Qualifications
Experience with mouse handling, molecular biology and behavior techniques, mouse surgeries, and knowledge of lab safety procedures. Ability to work independently on a scientific project. Strong interpersonal and communication skills that create and maintain excellent working relationships in a team environment. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. The capability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Broad understanding of equipment and technologies used in Neuroscience research. 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.
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).