Research Associate , Molecular & Cell Biology

Staff Research Associate (9613C), Molecular & Cell Biology - #83011

University of California, Berkeley – Join to apply for the Staff Research Associate (9613C), Molecular & Cell Biology - #83011 role.

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 makes 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.

We actively support professional growth by providing at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year for professional development activities.

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. The department 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.

Research in the lab focuses on the study of the innate immune system, using in vitro systems and mouse models to examine the role of several different gene families. The staff research associate is responsible for all aspects of the day‑to‑day operations of mouse colony management, and for assisting postdocs and graduate students with their experiments.

• Assist with validating potential antigens identified by mass spectrometry.
• Track inflammatory responses in mice subjected to intestinal injury and microbiota disruption.
• Oversee breeding schemes of core mice and help design cross‑breeding strategies.
• Isolate DNA from mouse tissue samples and perform PCRs for genotyping.
• Organize breeding to maintain appropriate numbers for experiments.
• Troubleshoot assays (e.g., flow cytometry, breeding failures).
• Weaning, tagging, and cutting of mice.
• Update and manage the mouse census daily.
• Recruit, orient, train, schedule, and supervise undergraduate work‑study students.
• Coordinate imports/exports of mice with veterinary staff and outside institutions.
• Establish relationships with animal technicians, supervisors, and other OLAC staff.
• Express and purify recombinant proteins in
  
  E. coli.
• Perform ELISAs and other immunological assays.
• Analyze immune cell populations by flow cytometry.
• Plan and coordinate large experiments with postdocs and graduate students.
• Conduct mouse necropsy and analysis.

• Experience with DNA isolation and PCR.
• Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, and Google Docs.
• Highly motivated, ambitious, with strong organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and skills.
• Good interpersonal skills for group work.
• Willingness to work with mice, viral and bacterial preparations, and recombinant proteins.
• Ability to work on feet for extended periods (up to 6 hours a day).
• Experience with standard molecular biology and biochemistry protocols.

• Experience with mouse handling and manipulation (e.g., eartagging, tail snipping).
• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical or health sciences—or equivalent experience/training.

Full‑time (40 hours/week), career position eligible for UC Benefits. Non‑exempt, biweekly paid. Salary: $27.85 (Step
1) – $31.04 (Step
6) per hour, based on final qualifications and experience.

• Submit your resume and cover letter.

• Position governed by the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) agreement.
• This is not a visa opportunity; no sponsorship of new H‑1B visas.

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.