Staff Research Associate 3, Innovative Genomics Institute (9611C)

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.

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) is a non-profit, academic research organization formed through the partnership of UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, and located on the UC Berkeley campus. A key focus of the IGI is accelerating translation of CRISPR-based approaches to address real-world problems in human health, agriculture, and climate.

The IGI is committing to hiring researchers who want to work in a high-performing culture. The IGI is interested in candidates who will contribute to our commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusion in academia. The IGI is also interested in applicants who may have had non-traditional career paths, taken time off for family/personal reasons, or excelled in careers outside academia. Most of our job postings list "required" and "preferred" qualifications. We encourage individuals to apply who do not meet every preferred qualification, but who could grow and thrive in the role.

The First Review Date for this job is: 2/16/2023

The IGI is seeking to recruit a highly motivated, independent-minded full-time Research Assistant to join the Center for CRISPR Discovery (https://innovativegenomics.org/center-for-crispr-target-discovery/).

Under the supervision of the Director, successful candidates will apply cutting-edge functional genomics approaches to assist our collaborators in a project-specific manner to uncover novel targets for therapeutics development in various model cell types.

This position will require experience in genome editing and functional genomics screening. Ample mentorship and support will be provided.

The Assistant will:

• Perform gene editing, culture human cells for protocol and process development.
• Apply imaging and cell analytic techniques used routinely for functional genomics applications, and perform functional genomics studies with analytical tools (nucleic acid and protein-directed).
• Conduct functional genomics screening on the CRISPR-Cas platform.
• Perform evaluation of genome editing experiments by next-generation sequencing and other assays.
• As needed, the successful candidate will generate and prepare reagents necessary for biochemical assays and should have experience with protein expression and purification, RNA isolation and purification, and biochemical assay development.
• Follow instructions and safety protocols to ensure regulatory and safety compliance.
• Maintain specimen collections and equipment properly.
• Conduct and report on scientific experiments and findings.
• Under general supervision, conduct laboratory inventory planning, and purchasing.
• Modify, adapt or improve standard procedures to meet the needs of various projects.
• Acquire and apply skills in conducting research towards drug target discovery, and the development and improvement of genome editing tools, such as CRISPR-based tools for fine-resolution mapping of biological circuits in human cells as it relates to biomedical applications.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced organizational skills to ensure the completion of multiple projects under tight timelines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Center Director and staff, as well as collaborating researchers.
• Proven ability to keep proper industry-standard records.
• Strong ability to collaborate with researchers and work efficiently in a diverse group.
• Strong ability to conduct and report on scientific experiments and findings.
• Knowledge of the development and improvement of genome editing tools, such as CRISPR-based tools for fine-resolution mapping of biological circuits in human cells as it relates to biomedical applications.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of specialized laboratory equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of necessary lab safety procedures and requirements, as well as chemical disposal guidelines.
• Advanced experience with general and specific biological and biochemical techniques, methods for nucleic acid and protein preparation.
• Experience in Molecular biology.
• Experience assisting and performing complex lab experiments.
• Experience processing data.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree and/or equivalent training or experience.

• Postgraduate Degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering and/or equivalent training or experience.
• 5 - 10 years of research experience in academic and/or industry settings.
• Experience with and/or ability to learn standard molecular biology techniques: molecular cloning, bacterial culture, tissue culture, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, quantitative PCR, sample preparation for NGS or Sanger-sequencing, electrophoresis, western blotting, etc.
• Lentivirus production and cell transduction experience is a plus.
• Practical knowledge of and/or ability to learn various genome/ epigenome editing platforms including CRISPR.
• Experience in performing CRISPR sgRNA screening is preferred but not essential.
• Good oral and written communication skills with competency using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Good organization skills and industry-standard record-keeping.
• Advanced organizational skills to ensure the completion of multiple projects under tight timelines.
• Experience in managing laboratory infantry.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Center Director and staff, as well as collaborating researchers.

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 range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $62,315.34 - $100,211.36.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

• 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

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https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:
http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct