Staff Research Associate 1

SRA 1 (009613)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_1000078

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

7/16/2026 5:08:57 PM

Date Last Edited:

7/16/2026 5:08:53 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1600O

Organization:

BASIC BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES              

Division Code:

1610D

Division:

BASIC BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES DIV          

Department:

230100 - MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNO & MOLECULAR GENETIC

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_1000078

Position Description ID

261890

UC Payroll Title:

SRA 1 (009613)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RX: Research Support Professionals

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

4 - Staff: Limited

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40043934

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROF-HCOMP

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40881053

Department Head Payroll Title:

ADMIN MGR 2

SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent performs a variety of routine duties within established policies and procedures or by referral to the supervisor’s guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the laboratory Principal Investigator, the incumbent will assist with experiments involving lentiviral vectors to treat genetic neurodegenerative disorders. Primary responsibilities include performing techniques such as primary cell culture, processing tissues for flow cytometry and DNA/RNA isolation, qPCR/ddPCR analysis Western Blot, ELISA.  Other duties as assigned.  

The MIMG department mission is to provide the highest quality research and education possible in the interdisciplinary fields of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics. To meet this goal, we work together as scientists, educators and students to identify and address the most relevant problems in microbial pathogenesis and physiology, host cell biology and immune defense, and the host-pathogen interface.

Evaluate Gene Modification

1. Produce in vitro transcribed mRNA of reagents.

2. Perform vector transductions in cell lines and primary cells (CD34+, T cells).

3. Perform hematopoietic differentiations.

4. Harvest genomic DNA.

5. Perform PCR, qPCR, and ddPCR.

6. Perform data analysis.

7. Perform flow cytometry analysis on modified cells.

8. Maintain supplies and equipment needed for above duties.

60%

Molecular Cloning

1. Maintain cell lines for packaging vectors.

2. Perform transfections.

3. Harvest and concentrate supernatant.

4. Maintain supplies and equipment needed for viral packaging work.

30%

Lab Management

1. Order supplies.

2. Keep inventory.

3. Maintain equipment needed for performing studies.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in Biological Sciences or equivalent experience and education.

Preferred

Lab Experience

Relevant Experience

Required

1. Demonstrated skill with tissue culture procedures for multiple cell types: both cell lines and hematopoietic stem cells.

Required

2. Experience with preparing, running, and analyzing cell samples by flow cytometry. Experience with FlowJo software highly desired.

Required

3. Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures associated with the handling and disposal of chemicals and chemical waste, and biohazards and biohazardous waste.

Required

4. Strong organization skills to maintain detailed laboratory protocols, ordering information, and inventories of reagents.

Required

5. Advanced molecular biology techniques. Skills in PCR, DNA and RNA isolation.

Required

6. Strong skills in computing cell concentrations, solution preparation, and other needed mathematical calculations.

Required

7. Excellent communication skills (written, oral) to maintain lab protocols, notebooks, and to prepare and make research presentations in lab meetings.

Required

8. Organizational skills with strong attention to detail and flexibility to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines.

Required

9. Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate timing constraints of experiments.

Required

10. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working conditions and relationships with other staff members and students.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.

Ability to move and lift up to 25 lbs.

Required

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics

•

Labware, incubators, biological safety cabinets, scales, stirrers, pH meter, pipettes, electronic pipettes, cell lines, chemicals, microscope, centrifuge, cell analyzer, plate reader, qPCR machine, vortex, fridges, freezers, -80C freezer, -150C freezer, vacuum aspirator. water and bead baths.

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 2: Position in which required tasks normally do not involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues, but may require performing unplanned Classification 1 tasks. In these jobs the normal work performance involves no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment.