Staff Research Associate
About The Position
The Langelier Laboratory in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Department of Medicine is in need of a research associate to join our team of translational scientists working together to advance understanding and management of respiratory and other infectious diseases, in particular COVID-19. Our collaborative research group specializes in metagenomic analysis and patient-oriented research to understand host/microbe interactions during infections and respiratory diseases, microbial genetics to identify and track outbreaks and the spread of antimicrobial resistance, and novel diagnostic test development. Our team includes physician scientists in Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, PhD post-doctoral scientists in microbiology, immunology and computational biology, medical and bioscience trainees and research associates. Our work spans the fields of microbiology, immunology, computational biology, genetics, infectious diseases and pulmonary/critical care medicine. A unique collaborative environment involving multiple laboratories at UCSF creates a unique collaborative environment that is engaging, diverse and supportive. The recipient of this position will be recruited through the Division of Infectious Diseases (ID) within the Department of Medicine and work in the Langelier Lab at the Parnassus Campus. The Research Associate will perform nucleic acid extraction from patient samples and preparation of sequencing libraries for metagenomic sequencing using liquid handling robots. Accuracy and attention to detail when preparing samples is of utmost importance. Additional duties include database and sample tracking management, data analysis and interpretation, and quantitative PCR. The applicant will have the option to also assist with laboratory management including coordinating with collaborators for sample shipment and tracking, training new lab members in laboratory techniques, scheduling project meetings, interfacing with laboratory instrument technical support staff, maintaining standard operating procedures for laboratory protocols, and interfacing with clinical and laboratory databases. The recipient of this position will contribute to projects that aim to advance understanding of diseases such as COVID-19 and sepsis and seek to improve the care of patients suffering from a diversity of infectious and respiratory diseases. We are seeking talented college graduates with a science major who have at least two year of full-time research experience post graduation. Research experience should be within the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, or other related discipline, and applicants must have prior experience in performing metagenomic sequencing laboratory techniques. This position could be an opportunity for aspiring graduate school or medical school candidates get the research experience and track record needed for a successful application, as it will foster career development through interactions with a wide variety of scientific researchers at UCSF. This position could also serve as an excellent opportunity for a career laboratory scientist interested in cutting edge translational research involving metagenomics. The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. The salary range for this position is $30.89 - $49.68 (Hourly Rate). To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
Requirements
- BA/BS with a degree in a related science and two or more years of recent, directly related work experience, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position and demonstrating technical expertise in these areas; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Prior experience working with biological samples
- Prior experience with metagenomic sequencing
- Prior experience in performing scientific data entry
- Prior experience working with human biological samples
- Knowledge of scientific equipment (e.g. PCR machines, centrifuge, pipettes, liquid handling robotics)
- Lab safety training
- Blood-borne pathogen Training
- Biosafety training
- Computer skills including the use of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and has superior organizational skill
- Excellent communication skills and demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills
- Meticulous record keeping abilities
- Demonstrated record of excellent attendance and punctuality
- Careful attention to detail
- Generally experienced in job duties and in the principles and practices associated with those duties with an understanding of the underlying scientific principles.
- Ability to draft routine reports and keep accurate records of work performed.
- Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise.
- Able to learn complex tasks with general instruction.
- Able to use experience to perform a variety of new techniques.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with or interest in learning basic programming (R, python) and statistical analytical tools to assist with data quality control.
Responsibilities
- Perform nucleic acid extraction from patient samples and preparation of sequencing libraries for metagenomic sequencing using liquid handling robots.
- Database and sample tracking management
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Quantitative PCR
- Coordinating with collaborators for sample shipment and tracking
- Training new lab members in laboratory techniques
- Scheduling project meetings
- Interfacing with laboratory instrument technical support staff
- Maintaining standard operating procedures for laboratory protocols
- Interfacing with clinical and laboratory databases
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
