Research Associate , Molecular & Cell Biology

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

University of California, Berkeley is dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes this a special place for students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to equity and social justice, and we seek applicants who share these values.

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) studies 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 disciplines, including biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, structural biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, cell biology, developmental biology, tumor biology, microbiology, immunology, pathogenesis, and neurobiology. Faculty draw materials from a variety of organisms, from viruses and microbes through plants, worms, annelids, arthropods, mollusks, fish, amphibians, and mammals.

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.

Research in this laboratory focuses on the innate immune system. The lab uses in‑vitro systems and mouse models to examine the role of several gene families. The staff research associate will manage day‑to‑day operations of mouse colony management and assist postdocs and graduate students with experiments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the mouse colony, including breeding set‑ups, coordinating imports and exports with veterinary staff and outside institutions, euthanizing mice, and maintaining a detailed census of cage rack layouts.
• Assisting lab members with animal procedures and experiments, such as experimental design, scheduling, and execution of assays.

First review date: 12/24/2025. Full consideration: apply by 01/05/2026.

Assists with validating potential antigens as targets of the immune response identified by mass spectrometry, tracks inflammatory responses in intestinal injury murine models, and performs mouse colony analysis:

• Oversee breeding schemes and determine crosses.
• Isolate DNA from mouse tissue and perform PCRs to determine genotypes.
• Organize breeding to maintain appropriate numbers for experiments.
• Troubleshoot failed assays such as poor flow cytometry or breeding issues.

Maintenance of mouse colony:

• Weaning, tagging, and cutting of mice.
• Daily update and management of the mouse census.
• Recruit, select, orient, train, schedule, and discipline undergraduate work‑study students.
• Coordinate imports/exports with veterinary staff and outside institutions.
• Establish relationships with animal technicians, supervisors, and other OLAC staff.

Assist other lab members with animal procedures:

• Express and purify recombinant proteins in
  
  E. coli.
• Perform ELISAs and other immunological assays.
• Analyze immune cell populations by flow cytometry.

Assist other lab members with experiments:

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate large experiments with postdocs and graduate students.
• Perform mouse necropsies and analysis.
• Analyze immune cell populations by flow cytometry.

• 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 teamwork.
• Willingness to work with mice, viral and bacterial preparations, and recombinant proteins.
• Ability to stand for up to six hours a day.
• Some experience with standard molecular biology and biochemistry protocols.

• Experience with mouse handling and manipulation (e.g., attaching eartags, tail snipping).
• Bachelor's degree in biomedical or health sciences or related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

The university compensates this position between $27.85 (Step 1) and $31.04 (Step 6) per hour. The role is non‑exempt and paid biweekly.

• The position includes a fee‑for‑service salary within the posted range.

• Submit resume and cover letter.

• This position follows the terms of the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) agreement between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees.
• This is not a visa opportunity; no sponsorship of an H‑1B visa.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered 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.