Stem Cell Models Research Associate

NOTIFICATIONS

The Research Associate will mostly work in the Salama/Haussler laboratory in the Biomedical Engineering Building on the UCSC Science Hill. Most work will be done during regular work hours with the occasional need to come in before/after work hours or on the weekend, as the experiments and/or maintenance of live cells requires. Occasionally, the incumbent may also be asked to join activities in the Westside Research Park, in the Genomics Institute Building on Delaware Avenue.

UC Vaccination Policy: With limited exceptions, COVID-19 vaccinations are required for Covered Individuals under the Policy. Covered Individuals include all employees, students, or trainees who physically access a University facility or program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. Covered Individuals do NOT include employees who work 100% remotely with NO expectation that they will physically access any University location or program at ANY time. If 100% remote work ends, the employee is subject to policy.

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. NOTE: Materials submitted after the IRD will be forwarded only at the request of the hiring unit. Submit your materials before the IRD to ensure consideration by the hiring unit.

The IRD for this job is: 01-24-2023

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Comprising diverse researchers from a variety of disciplines across academic divisions, the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute leads UC Santa Cruz's efforts to unlock the world's genomic data and accelerate breakthroughs in health and evolutionary biology. The UCSC Genomics Institute employs approximately 175 personnel (including approximately 70 career staff, 50 academic non-faculty members, 30 graduate student researchers, 5 postdoctoral scholars and 20 undergraduate employees) who participate in projects supported by funds from the federal and state governments, private foundations and gifts. The Institute's platforms, technologies, engineers and scientists unite global communities to create and deploy data-driven, life-saving treatments and innovative environmental and conservation efforts, while addressing the most fundamental societal and policy questions.

The Haussler-Salama lab operates within the Genomics Institute and is affiliated with the Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells. The lab is co-directed by Professors David Haussler of the (Biomolecular Engeneering Department) and Sofie Salama of the (Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department). The lab pursues an interdisciplinary approach to understand the evolution and function of the human genome particularly as it relates to development of the early embryo and the brain. The lab uses human and great ape pluripotent stem cells and brain organoids derived from them as the main experimental model and is developing new approaches to improve, scale-up and automated three-dimensional organoid cell culture models as founding members of the Braingeneers Project and the Center for Live Cell Genomics. In addition to answering fundamental questions about human development this research addresses neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer.

More information can be found at https://genomics.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute Organized Research Unit at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for the position of Stem Cell Models Research Associate in the Haussler-Salama Lab. Under the direction of Professor Sofie Salama, the Research Associate will support and contribute to research that uses human and non-human primate pluripotent stem cells and high throughput sequencing assays to understand the evolution and function of genomic innovations that drive new gene regulatory programs and human brain development and disease. This work will involve using genetic engineering to generate pluripotent stem cell lines that allow CRISPR/Cas9 based overexpression or knockdown screens, or enable expression of fluorescent reporters, optogenetic actuators or calcium sensors in a cell-type specific manner. Engineered cell lines will be used for generating pluripotent stem cell derived cerebral cortex organoids for phenotypic characterization using immunohistochemistry and high throughput sequencing-based measurements. In addition to supporting and contributing to research, the incumbent will support our Live Cell Genomics Center and UCSC-UCSF Braingeneers projects with lab operations support including assisting with ordering, reimbursement and spending reports, maintaining inventories, scheduling meetings, and communications. The candidate will be expected to learn new techniques and implement protocols, have strong attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills, exercise good time management and problem-solving skills, and work effectively in a team environment.

Applicants with expertise in any of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply: thorough understanding of evolutionary principles; high throughput sequencing techniques; high-content imaging; experience with 2D and 3D cell culture, particularly human pluripotent stem cell culture; experience with CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Salary Information: $56,797.43/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

No. of Positions: 1

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: This is a Career appointment

Job End Date: 1 year from hire date, with possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: RX Union

Job Code Classification: 009612 (SRA 2)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

70% - Execution of Experiments

• Contributes to research that uses human and non-human primate pluripotent stem cells and high throughput sequencing assays to understand the evolution and function of genomic innovations that drive new gene regulatory programs and human brain development and disease.
• The Research Assistant will use genetic engineering tools to generate pluripotent stem cell lines that will then be used for CRISPR/Cas9 based overexpression or knockdown screens, expression of fluorescent reporters, or expression of optogenetic actuators or calcium sensors in a cell-type specific manner. The engineered pluripotent stem cell lines will be further used to generate cerebral cortex organoids for phenotypic characterization using immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and high throughput sequencing-based measurements.

30% - Lab Operations

• Supports lab operations by assisting with ordering, receiving, stocking common reagents, chemical waste disposal, equipment maintenance and related functions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry.
• Experience performing laboratory research.
• Knowledge of evolutionary principles.
• Experience with cell cultures.
• Experience conducting experiments in lab setting.
• Experience in compiling, preparation, and analysis of charts, graphs and/or models involving experimental data.
• Strong computer skills including Excel, Power Point.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong oral communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and data-gathering skills.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work accurately with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work well independently and exercise flexibility, initiative, and good judgment.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience using Cripsr/Cas9 technology.
• Experience with microscopy.
• Experience with general molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with stem cell cultures.
• Experience with organoid cultures.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs, and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, covered employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exception or deferral, eight (8) weeks from date of hire.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

HOW TO APPLY

Attach your resume and cover letter when applying for this job opening. Do not attach any documents to 'My Activities'. Visit our How to Apply tutorial for detailed instructions on our applicant process.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment 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, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.