Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C) - #69214 Job Listing at University of California in Berkeley, CA (Job ID 69214)

Description

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 Department of Integrative Biology (IB) is part of the College of Letters and Science. Its focus on biological integration and diversity encompasses the full spectrum of biological organization (e.g., from molecular to biosphere) for organisms ranging from viruses to plants and animals. The faculty represent a wide range of expertise, including paleontology, population genetics, physiology, anatomy, human biology and health sciences, and organismal, ecological, and evolutionary botany and zoology.

Position Summary

The Shapira lab studies host - microbiome interactions using the nematode C. elegans as a model host.

The Research Associate will be responsible for conducting experiments with C. elegans, raising them in compost microcosms or on synthetic bacterial communities and using next generation sequencing to characterize the assembly of their gut microbiotas during development.

Additionally, the SRA is responsible for helping in characterizing the involvement of genes regulated by the worm's TGFbeta/SMA pathway on shaping the worm gut microbiota.

Alongside this research work, takes part in preparation of reagents, maintenance of equipment and similar routine chores that are part of the work in the lab.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 05/30/2024.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for conducting experiments with C. elegans, uses next generation sequencing to characterize the assembly of their gut microbiotas during development. 
• Prepares 16S amplicon libraries for next generation sequencing.
• Analyzing NGS data using various tools for computational biology, expanding lab expertise with such tools. 
• Characterizes the involvement of genes regulated by the worm's TGFbeta/SMA pathway on shaping the worm gut microbiota.
• Worm handling, raising worms in microcosms, preparing compost for microcosm experiments, collecting compost and worm sampling, surface sterilizing the latter.
• Maintains worm strains for experiments related to either one of the two projects described under Position Summary.
• Other duties as assigned including preparation of reagents, maintenance of equipment and lab management duties.

Required Qualifications 

• Extensive knowledge of C. elegans biology.
• Extensive skills in next generation sequencing.
• Proficient computer skills including, but not limited to R coding, Ciime, DADA2, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Creative thinking, independent judgment, and critical analysis to provide suggestions work, protocols or materials to faculty.
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive, to work independently or as part of a team, organize work assignments, establish priorities, develop appropriate recommendations and solutions, and ensure completion of multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and careful attention to planning and detail.
• Effective interpersonal, communication skills, oral and written. 
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with students, faculty and staff, including individuals from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to accurately make chemical solutions and dilutions.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Knowledge of safety and EH&S procedures, processes, regulations and policies.
• An individual with significant research 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) - $74,212.56 (Step 13). 

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

• This is not a visa opportunity.

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.