Staff Research Associate

University of California, San Francisco • San Francisco, CA

15d

About The Position

This Staff Research Assistant 1 (SRA1) will be heavily involved in performing physiological studies, tissue dissection and processing, cellular and tissue analyses, and data analysis to quantify results in association with a project devoted to understanding the heterogeneous responses to GLP-1 receptor agonists across multiple traits and in the context of genetic diversity. In doing this work, the individual will be performing in vivo tests of glucose and energy homeostasis in mouse models of diet-induced obesity, delivering GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs to animals undergoing these tests, and performing western blotting, molecular biology analyses, ELISA, cell culture, transcriptional assessments, and histological techniques. Beyond this, the individual will assist in carrying out experiments probing fatty liver, adipose tissue formation, and molecular underpinnings of type 2 diabetes in the context of ER stress in support of the Koliwad Lab’s research program.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related sciences, and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with basic biochemical assays, tissue culture, molecular biology techniques, high-throughput sequencing, programming such as python/R, histology and basic animal handling experience (may be that which is acquired while in school).
• Methodological knowledge on how to optimize the molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and cellular assays to be performed
• Mouse handling and colony management

Nice To Haves

• Basic skills in statistical analysis and the use of relevant statistical software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of molecular cloning.
• Knowledge of mouse genetics and husbandry.
• Basic mammalian tissue culture techniques.
• Basic understanding of trouble-shooting experiments and problem solving.
• Basic understanding of tissue sectioning, histology, staining and imaging.
• Preparation of scientific figures using Power Point, Adobe Illustrator, and/or similar programs.

Responsibilities

• Mouse work: maintenance and husbandry, serving as point person for management of mouse study cohorts, including administering specific drugs and nutrients both orally and by injection, mouse genotyping, and metabolic testing including those needed to measure glucose, insulin, and pyruvate tolerance as well as those needed to measure food intake and energy balance
• Molecular biology techniques: assisting with surgeries and tissue analyses, and the performance of PCR, western blot, histological analyses, cell sorting, microscopy, and image analysis.
• Record-keeping and general laboratory maintenance, including setting up the lab, ordering and stocking supplies, and coordinating equipment maintenance.
• Attendance at trainings and seminars to advance the understanding of the individual’s projects and career development
• ordering supplies/reagents/ equipment
• Organizing lab gatherings including lab meetings and journal clubs.
• Managing laboratory protocols and approvals (mouse care protocol, bio-safety protocol, and chemical inventory).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level