Staff Research Associate, Neuroscience (9612C) 85769

About Berkeley

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 make 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. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). 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 full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The teaching and research activities of the Department of Neuroscience (NEU) will advance the understanding of brain, mind, and behavior through research, education and training. Our faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers study how the brain functions in health and disease, how it generates behavior and thought, and how it computes. We investigate the nervous system at levels ranging from molecules and cells to neural circuits and systems, to behavior and cognition, to neural computation. We also develop neurotechnology and explore the impacts of neuroscience on society.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is May 5, 2026

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the SRA assists with the following research, but is not limited to: Mouse breeding, obtaining tissue from mice for genotyping, conducting PCR reactions to genotype mice, and maintaining an up-to-date spreadsheet of the mouse colony for researchers in the lab to use according to laboratory standards
• As needed, if there's a new mouse genotype, the SRA will consult the original paper describing the transgenic mouse for genotyping protocols.
• Train undergraduate students in genotyping, including obtaining tissue from mice and conducting PCR reactions to genotype mice.
• Weekly consultations with PI and working daily with researchers in the lab, either in person or via Slack
• Maintain the chemical inventory and arrange for chemical disposal.
• Function as a lab safety officer, which includes training new researchers in lab safety procedures
• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to, ordering general lab supplies.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in spreadsheet applications (e.g., Excel or Google Sheets), including accurate data entry, organization, basic formulas, and maintenance of experimental or colony records
• Hands-on experience with laboratory animal handling in accordance with established protocols, including safe restraint, monitoring, and adherence to institutional animal care and use standards
• Practical experience independently performing PCR and related molecular biology techniques, including sample preparation, reagent setup, thermocycler operation, and basic troubleshooting
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with lab members and support research operations
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible laboratory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing day-to-day guidance, training, or supervision to students, junior staff, or volunteers in a laboratory or research setting
• Familiarity with maintaining transgenic or wild-type mouse colonies, including breeding strategies, genotyping coordination, recordkeeping, and collaboration with animal care staff
• Ability to follow and apply established research protocols with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in maintaining research data and compliance records

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time career position that is eligible for full 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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $65,155.55 - $70,567.21 (steps 1-5).