Research Associate, Genome Editing (9612C), Innovative Genomics Institute - 63589

About Berkeley

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Departmental Overview

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) is a non-profit, academic research organization formed through the partnership of UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, and located on the UC Berkeley campus. A key focus of the IGI is accelerating translation of CRISPR-based approaches to address real-world problems in human health, agriculture, and climate.

The IGI is committing to hiring researchers who want to work in a high- performing culture. The IGI is interested in candidates who will contribute to our commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusion in academia. The IGI is also interested in applicants who may have had non-traditional career paths, taken time off for family/personal reasons, or excelled in careers outside academia. Most of our job postings list "required" and "preferred" qualifications. We encourage individuals to apply who do not meet every preferred qualification, but who could grow and thrive in the role.

Research is conducted in the laboratory of Fyodor Urnov, Professor of Molecular Therapeutics in the MCB Department at UC Berkeley and Director of the Innovative Genomics Institute - Danaher Beacon for CRISPR Cures. The Beacon aims to develop and advance to clinical trials novel CRISPR-based approaches to Inborn Errors of Immunity (Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases). The position will support nonclinical studies for two such approaches that comprise the Beacon. Tasks will include applications of recombinant DNA technology, PCR, DNA sequencing and analysis via traditional and NGS approaches, RNA in vitro synthesis and analysis, and human tissue culture cell work.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: January 30, 2024

Responsibilities

• Perform recombinant DNA procedures, including via use of laboratory automation hardware, to construct novel expression vectors for genome editors.
• Characterize the vectors by sequencing and perform mRNA in vitro transcription for subsequent in-cell testing.

Recombinant DNA:

• Routine plasmid maintenance and sequence-characterization, performing a variety of cloning procedures such as Gibson cloning; scaleup to laboratory automation (with assistance from automation specialist.
• Design and execution of PCR- and sequence-based assays to quality-control resulting expression constructs.

Nucleic acid-directed assays:

• Design and execution of a variety of assays (eg based on NGS or ddPCR) aimed at detecting genome editing outcomes.

Mammalian cell culture:

• Human transformed tissue culture cell line passaging and transfection.
• Manage miscellaneous molecular techniques such as RT-PCR, ddPCR, and NGS.
• Assist personnel in nonclinical lead teams with design and testing of novel constructs and molecular assays to assess genome editing potency and specificity.
• Perform quality control of genome editor compositions by delivery to human tissue culture cells, genomic DNA harvest, and next-generation sequencing followed by data analysis.
• Analyze experimental data and assist Beacon researchers in preparing scientific presentations and reports.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, protocols, and hardware for consistent operational readiness to meet project goals.

Required Qualifications

• Cultural competence and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational skills to ensure smooth functioning of lab.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• At least 1-year wetlab experience, could be during undergraduate studies.
• Experience with molecular cloning.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, engineering, or related field and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with human cell culture.
• Experience with flow cytometry and other immunoassays.
• Experience with next generation sequencing.

Salary & 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 salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $58,490.82 (step 1.0) - $90,455.87 (step 23.0).

• This is a 100%, full-time (40 hours per week), career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
• This position is exempt and paid monthly.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.



To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=63589&PostingSeq=1