Research Associate , Molecular & Cell Biology

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

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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.

Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice.

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. This agenda 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.

The types of living organisms from which the departmental faculty draws its working materials are as diverse as its disciplinary specializations, ranging from viruses and microbes through plants, roundworms, annelids, arthropods, and mollusks to fish, amphibia, and mammals. The faculty 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 the lab focuses on the study of the innate immune system, using in vitro systems as well as mouse models to examine the role of several different gene families. We use model bacterial and viral pathogens to test the immune systems of genetically altered mice. The staff research assistant is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operations of mouse colony management, in addition to assisting postdocs and graduate students with their experiments.

Key duties include:

• Managing the mouse colony, including breeding setups, coordinating imports and exports with veterinary staff and outside institutions, euthanizing mice, responding to animal welfare situations in a timely manner, establishing relationships with animal technicians, supervisors and other OLAC staff, and keeping an up-to-date census depicting suite and cage rack layouts and organization.
• Assisting other lab members with animal procedures and experiments (assisting with experimental design, planning, scheduling and execution of a diverse array of assays to contribute to ongoing research projects).

The first review date for this job is 12/24/2025. For full consideration, please apply by 01/05/2026.

Assists with validating potential antigens as targets of the immune response previously identified by mass spectrometry within the laboratory. Tracks inflammatory responses in response to intestinal injury in mice whose response to their microbiota is disrupted by antibiotics or delayed acquisition of a microbiome.

• Oversee breeding schemes of core mice and help researchers determine crosses when applicable.
• Isolate DNA from mouse tissue samples and perform PCRs to determine genotypes.
• Organize breeding of mice to maintain appropriate numbers of mice for necessary experiments.
• Troubleshoot failed assays (e.g., poor flow cytometry, poor mouse breeding).

• Weaning, tagging and cutting of mice.
• Update and manage the mouse census daily.
• Recruit, select, orient, train, schedule, and discipline undergraduate work‑study students.
• Coordinate imports/exports of mice with veterinary staff and outside institutions/businesses.
• 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, schedule, and coordinate large experiments with postdocs and graduate students.
• Mouse necropsy 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 individual with strong organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a group environment.
• Willingness to work with mice, viral and bacterial preparations, and recombinant proteins.
• Ability to work on feet for extended periods of time, up to 6 hours a day.
• Some experience with standard molecular biology and…