Staff Research Associate

University of California System•San Francisco, CA

28d•$28 - $49

About The Position

The Staff Research Associate (SRA) assists the principal investigator (PI) with active experiments and the daily tasks related to the operation of a biomedical research laboratory. This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in graduate school in the biomedical sciences or medical school. The candidate must commit to at least 2 years in the laboratory. Our research is primarily focused on: 1) chronic hypoxia sensing and adaptation, and 2) mechanisms of cardiovascular complications from cancer-directed therapies. We seek to understand how cells, tissues, and organisms respond and adapt to chronic hypoxia at the molecular and whole-body physiology levels. We utilize a variety of in vitro (cell) models and mouse models to investigate specific transcription factors, gene and protein regulatory pathways, and metabolic changes in mediating responses under hypoxia. This work lies at the intersection of hypoxia signaling, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular disease. We have developed models of cardiovascular disease that are affected by chronic hypoxia, including pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and obesity. We use various biochemical assays, "multi-omics," and computational approaches to carefully dissect mechanisms of hypoxia adaptation. In addition, we are interested in dissecting mechanisms of cardiovascular disease that result from cancer-directed therapies (such as VEGF inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors) and actively developing pre-clinical models of pericarditis. The SRA will have many duties relevant to these goals and it is expected that they will become increasing independent over time. It is expected that the SRA will become well-versed in multiple molecular and biochemical techniques to analyze tissues and cells, such as western blotting, qPCR, and generation of DNA constructs. They will also assist with various mouse model experiments and take an active role in mouse colony maintenance and lab organization and lab management. 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 $28.12 - $48.76 (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 in a related science (background in general biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and chemistry) and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; and/or an equivalent training / experience.
Prior publications or significant contributions to manuscripts
Experience with mouse colony maintenance and mouse breeding, or similar maintenance of live model organisms, such as yeast, flies, or plants (may be that which is acquired while in school).
Experience with molecular cloning and biochemistry (may be that which is acquired while in school).
Experience with basic cell culture techniques (may be that which is acquired while in school).
Experience accurately and successfully performing DNA and protein gel electrophoresis; western blotting; PCR; quantitative RT-PCR; standard cell culture; and DNA/RNA extractions from animal tissues and cell culture samples (may be that which is acquired while in school).
Demonstrated knowledge of molarity, sterile technique, standard Mendelian genetic inheritance, and general microbiology
Demonstrated ability to perform standard data analysis and basic bioinformatics programming (such as Python, R, or Matlab)
Demonstrated ability to multi-task and present/organize data.
Familiarity with experimental design (controls, technical vs biological replicates)
Ability to independently analyze data (including Excel, Prism, Word; bioinformatics strongly desired) and devise follow up/trouble shooting experiments
Strong scientific writing skills (including writing hypotheses, aims, approaches, and anticipated results)
Ability to review and discuss scientific literature
Ability to compile data and summarize research findings (both verbally and written)
Strong interest in cardiovascular biology and physiology
Ability to maintain well organized workflows and protocols
In addition to the above, a minimum of two or more years of recent, directly related work experience following degree completion utilizing techniques and methods required by the position.

Nice To Haves

BA/BS degree in a field relevant to biomedical research (e.g., biology, chemistry, molecular biology, pre-medicine track)
Experience with rodent handling and experiments, including delivery of compounds via tail vein injection, intra-peritoneal injections, and oral gavage (may be that which is acquired while in school).
Previous basic science research experience (may be that which is acquired while in school).