Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C), Molecular & Cell Biology - 85624

About Berkeley

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Departmental Overview

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology is one of UC Berkeley's largest academic departments and is by several measures (including number of the faculty and students, budget, and assigned square feet), larger than many UCB colleges and schools. MCB is divided into five divisions: Neurobiology; Genetics, Genomics & Development; Cell & Developmental Biology; Immunology & Pathogenesis; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.

The Staff Research Associate assists the laboratory researchers in their mouse projects being primarily responsible for assisting with the identification and maintenance of different mouse colonies. The candidate also assists with behavioral and metabolic tests. The candidate's actions will be valuable by assisting with deliverables determinant to better understand mechanisms of aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

Position Summary

The Staff Research Associate 2 assists the laboratory researchers in their mouse projects being primarily responsible for assisting and maintenance of different mouse colonies. Provides comprehensive technical research support in a laboratory setting, managing a mouse colony and executing a wide range of in vivo and in vitro experiments. Applies established and evolving techniques in molecular biology, histology, and animal research, while supporting protocol development, compliance, and lab operations. Trains junior personnel and contributes to data generation, analysis, and reporting under general supervision of the Principal Investigator.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: April 29, 2026

Responsibilities

• Management of laboratory mouse colony including assisting researchers in daily handling, ordering supplies, animals and equipment, detailed inventorying of animals and coordinating animal numbers for experiments.
• Review literature and maintain current techniques with respect to mouse research. Assist in writing and updating IACUC protocols within required specifications.
• Process and prepare mouse tissues for molecular and histological applications including fixation, cryoprotection, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence staining, and assist with microscopy imaging and documentation of experimental results. Conduct molecular biology experiments including DNA and RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, quantitative PCR (qPCR), gel electrophoresis, and western blot.
• Assist with all aspects of colony management and breeding including transgenic crosses, genotyping, monitoring colony for new pups, pregnancy and health status, weaning and notifying investigator regarding animal status. Assist with all aspects of mouse handling and husbandry including administering special diets, weighing and documenting physical condition and providing specialized treatment when necessary.
• Assist with the design and execution of mouse experimental work including behavioral testing, dosing (IP, PO, IV etc), blood and tissue collection, and dissection of specific tissues including hypothalamic and other brain regions for downstream analyses such as molecular biology, biochemistry, and histology. Maintain and culture mammalian cell lines including routine passaging, cryopreservation, and preparation of cells for experimental assays.
• Maintain laboratory operations including preparation of reagents and buffers, troubleshooting and maintaining research equipment, and managing laboratory computing infrastructure including shared computers, servers, and research data storage systems.
• Database entry and maintenance.
• Train and assist students and laboratory personnel in mouse handling, experimental techniques, and general laboratory procedures while maintaining organized research records and assisting with preparation of data for reports, presentations, and publications.
• Provide support to laboratory personnel for specialized procedures, and may be asked to assist lab personnel with experiments in C. elegans, molecular biology, protein
• Participate in professional development activities including travel to external laboratories or training sites to acquire and implement new experimental techniques.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to collect, organize and maintain accurate research data with attention to detail.
• Theoretical knowledge of genetics, biochemistry, neurobiology, cell biology, molecular biology or related field.
• A strong work ethic, excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to function within an interdisciplinary team are essential.
• Ability to self-motivate and work across teams successfully.
• Strong computer skills using MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, SoftMouse, etc.
• At least 3 years' experience working with laboratory rodents.
• At least 2 years' experience writing and submitting IACUC protocols.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and/or equivalent experience/training.