Job Summary
In the Staff Research Associate I/II (SRA I/II) position you would be an integral member of the Kampmann lab at the UCSF Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND). The Kampmann lab develops and uses innovative technologies to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms of human diseases and to discover new therapeutic strategies. A major focus of our research is on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. To this end, we have established a CRISPR-based functional genomics platform for genetic screens in human iPSC-based models of disease (Tian et al., 2019; Neuron). Our lab is part of the UCSF research community, the Chan Zuckerberg Neurodegeneration Challenge Network, the Tau Consortium and other collaborative research groups, providing us with an outstanding network of collaborators and access to other cutting-edge technologies. We are an interdisciplinary group of postdocs, graduate students and staff research associates. We are proud of our lab culture of intellectual curiosity, collaboration, support, diversity, and fun! Read more about our lab at kampmannlab.ucsf.edu.
In this position, you will be working as a member of a research team developing innovative, CRISPR/Cas9-based functional genomics approaches to understand the disease mechanism and to identify potential therapeutic strategies. You must be willing to work in a team, be organized, enjoy problem solving, and have strong communication skills. As you become familiar with our methodology, there will be opportunities to work independently on research projects. Based on your interest and expertise, you will be able to contribute to bioinformatics analysis of data as well. Past staff research associates have been integral co-authors on high impact publications in the lab.
Responsibilities include experiments based on mammalian cell culture (including iPSCs and iPSC-derived neurons and glia), molecular biology (including construction of DNA vectors, and qPCR), preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing, performing flow cytometry, biochemistry, functional assays, imaging, performing basic statistical calculations, and other duties as assigned. There may be a component of animal husbandry and working with murine models of disease in the vivarium. No more than 20% of the time will be spent on lab management tasks, such as glass washing, autoclaving, preparing and aliquoting buffers and media, pouring bacterial plates, cleaning of waterbaths, accepting deliveries, checking inventory.
To see the salary range for this position (we recommend that you make a note of the job code and use that to look up): TCS Non-Academic Titles Search (ucop.edu)
Please note: The compensation ranges listed online for roles not covered by a bargaining unit agreement are very wide, however a job offer will typically fall in the range of 80% - 120% of the established mid-point. An offer will take into consideration the experience of the final candidate AND the current salary level of individuals working at UCSF in a similar role.
For roles covered by a bargaining unit agreement, there will be specific rules about where a new hire would be placed on the range.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
Department Description
The Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) at UCSF is pursuing a cutting-edge blend of basic science and clinical medicine to provide outstanding care to those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 1999, the IND is committed to creating therapeutics that will halt diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and dementia resulting from traumatic brain injuries. The IND is poised to make serious contributions to this struggle at the frontier of neuroscience and medicine. The mission of the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases is to discover causes and develop cures for these illnesses with an innovative program of basic research and clinical medicine. The IND is directed by Nobel Laureate Stanley B. Prusiner, MD.
Required Qualifications
SRA I:
- B.A/B.S. degree in molecular cell biology or related field science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Highly organized, attention to detail, demonstrated record-keeping abilities
- Excellent communication skills; good written English and skills to write reports
SRA 2: In addition to above
- One or more years of recent, directly related work experience, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with brain cell culture (iPSC or primary cells)
- Experience in molecular biology, such as PCR or molecular cloning
- Experience in biochemistry, such as Western blotting or enzymatic assays
- Working knowledge of flow cytometry and microscopy
- Working knowledge of electrophysiology
- Bioinformatics experience, such as analysis of imaging or next-generation sequencing data
- Experience culturing mammalian cells, with demonstrated proficiency in sterile technique
- Animal husbandry and working with murine models of disease
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California San Francisco 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, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Organization
Campus
Job Code and Payroll Title
009617 SRA 2 NEX
Job Category
Research and Scientific
Bargaining Unit
University Professional Technical Employees – Research Support Professionals Unit (UPTE-RX)
Employee Class
Career
Percentage
100%
Location
Mission Bay (SF)
Shift
Days
Shift Length
8 Hours