Staff Research Associate

The Staff Research Associate (SRA) will support the Principal Investigator (PI) in conducting active experiments and assist with administrative responsibilities essential to the operation of a biomedical research laboratory. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals considering graduate training in the biomedical sciences or pursuing medical school.

Our laboratory focuses on the cardiovascular complications associated with emerging cancer therapies. We are currently developing and characterizing preclinical mouse models that replicate cardiovascular toxicities linked to novel cancer immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated myocarditis. These models are used to investigate underlying cardiovascular and immunologic mechanisms. In parallel, our research is integrated with a robust clinical surveillance program. The SRA will contribute to experimental work supporting these efforts and assist with administrative tasks necessary for the daily operations of a growing laboratory.

The SRA will perform a range of duties aligned with these goals and is expected to develop increasing independence over time. Responsibilities include gaining proficiency in molecular and biochemical techniques used to analyze tissues and cells, such as Western blotting and quantitative PCR (qPCR). The SRA will also assist with in vivo mouse experiments, actively participate in mouse colony management, and oversee laboratory supply inventory and ordering.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

List key functions and the estimated percentage of time spent performing each of the position’s. Indicate which responsibilities are considered "Essential" to the successful performance of the job as defined by the EEOC: “Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform…You should carefully examine each job to determine which functions or tasks are essential to performance.”  The following website can provide guidance:  http://ucsfhr.ucsf.edu/index.php/dismgmt/article/1205

Example: 

25%  Essential/Yes  -  Administration:. Under general supervision, oversee all aspects of the administrative office; Interact with university officials, faculty, staff and representatives from outside agencies; Assist in the preparation and coordination of Federal and non-federal grant applications from initial submission to annual progress reports; Prepare and track purchasing and payment authorizations

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related science (background in general biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and chemistry) 

• One or more years of recent, directly related work experience, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; and/or equivalent experience/training

• Experience with mouse colony maintenance and mouse breeding 

• Experience with basic molecular cloning and biochemistry

• Experience with basic cell culture techniques

• 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

• Demonstrated knowledge of molarity, sterile technique, standard Mendelian genetic inheritance, and general microbiology

• Demonstrated ability to perform standard data analysis

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 

• Previous basic science research experience 

• Previous experience with lab management