Refer a Friend or Colleague

Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C), Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute - 71825

About Berkeley

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 teaching and research activities of the Department of Neuroscience (NEU) will advance the understanding of brain, mind, and behavior through research, education and training. Our faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers study how the brain functions in health and disease, how it generates behavior and thought, and how it computes. We investigate the nervous system on levels ranging from molecules and cells, to neural circuits and systems, to behavior and cognition, to neural computation. We also develop neurotechnology and explore the impacts of neuroscience on society.

The Feller Lab is interested in the mechanisms underlying spontaneous activity in the developing nervous system and the role this activity plays in the construction of neuronal circuits. There are several examples throughout the developing vertebrate nervous system, including the retina, spinal cord, hippocampus and neocortex, where immature neural circuits generate activity patterns that are distinct from the functioning adult circuitry. It has been proposed that these transitional circuits provide the test patterns necessary for normal development of the adult nervous system. Under supervision of the Principal Investigator the incumbent will assist with the following but is not limited to: Mouse breeding, obtaining tissue from mice for genotyping, conducting PCR reactions to genotype mice, as well as maintaining an up-to-date spread sheet of mouse colony for researchers in lab to use according to laboratory standards.

The lab studies spontaneous activity in the immature mouse retina. Mice are born with their eyes closed. Light responses are first detected at postnatal day 10 (P10) and their eyes open at P14. During these first two postnatal weeks, immature retinal circuits spontaneously generate propagating bursts of action potentials termed retinal waves. During this same postnatal period, there is tremendous amount of development within the visual system, including formation of retinal circuits that mediate various light responses, as well as sculpting of retinal projections to their primary targets in the brain. Hence, the developing visual system is a premier model system for studying the role of spontaneous activity in the development of functional circuits.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: Thursday, August 29, 2024

Responsibilities

• Under supervision of the Principal Investigator the SRA assist with the following research but is not limited to: Mouse breeding, obtaining tissue from mice for genotyping, conducting PCR reactions to genotype mice, as well as maintaining an up-to-date spread sheet of mouse colony for researchers in lab to use according to laboratory standards.


• As needed, if there's new genotype of mice, the SRA will consult with the original paper describing this trangenic mouse for genotyping protocols.


• Train undergraduate student in genotyping including obtaining tissue from mice, conducting PCR reactions to genotype mice.


• Weekly consultations with PI and working daily with researchers in the lab either in person or via Slack


• Maintain chemical inventory and arranging for disposal of chemicals.


• Function as lab safety officer, which includes training new researchers in lab safety procedures


• Other duties as assigned such as but is not limited to ordering general lab supplies.

Required Qualifications

• Basic spreadsheet skills


• Experience handling animals


• Experience conducting PCR reactions

Education/Training:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related science and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous supervisory skills


• Experience in mouse colony maintenance

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 salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $60,245.54 - $67,843.39, Steps 1.0 - 7.0. This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.


• This is a full-time, Career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.


• 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

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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.


To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=71825&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=21&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant