Staff Research Associate 1

SRA 1 (009613)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_1555

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

4/16/2026 7:28:08 PM

Date Last Edited:

4/16/2026 7:28:05 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1330D

Division:

L&S LIFE SCIENCES

Department:

084500 - INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY & PHYSIOLOGY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_1555

Position Description ID

214830

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):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

 41072704

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROF-AY

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40045582

Department Head Payroll Title:

Department Chair

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position will be involved in studies focusing on understanding the genetics of vertebrate neurodevelopment, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) animal models. The successful candidate will carry out experiments involving genotyping mutant lines, behavioral phenotyping of mutant lines, some molecular characterization of mutant lines, and generating new transgenic lines.

The candidate is expected to work with live vertebrate animals (embryos, larvae, and adult zebrafish), microinject zebrafish embryos (during morning hours), perform genotyping (including tissue sample collection, DNA extraction, PCR, and gel annotations), and maintain excellent laboratory notes.

The candidate is expected to review scientific literature, attend and present their work at group research meetings, and contribute to manuscript preparation.

Service (25%)

The SRA I will be expected to contribute to maintaining the lab's animal lines (including wild type, mutant, and transgenic lines), training other lab members, and help with maintaining laboratory resources and stocks (including ordering, cleaning, maintaining lab databases, and ensuring lab safety protocols are upheld).

Research in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology (IBP) is dedicated to explaining the function of complex biological systems, in cells, organs, and individuals. The recent rapid advances in molecular and cell biology and genetics, including the sequencing of numerous genomes, has provided an unprecedented opportunity to use this new information to understand how the genes interact to produce emergent phenotypes in complex systems.

Research

Responsibilities

A1. Prepare basic chemical stocks and solutions for your experiments. A2. Perform adipogenic assays, including by imaging, RT-PCR, and western blots. A3. Supervise undergraduates who perform lab support tasks. A4. Prepare your data for discussion with the team. A5. Refine data visualization. A6. Prepare manuscript for submission to a journal for peer-reviewed publication. A7. Contribute to training of personnel in lab to ensure knowledge transfer. A8. Manage data transfer and backup.  A9. Maintain organization of programs and data files.  A10. Conduct any and all additional experiments according to the needs of the lab.

90%

Laboratory Management

Order lab supplies. Contribute to general lab maintenance and organization.

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 molecular and cellular biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, or a related field, or equivalent experience/training

Preferred

Experience must include some animal handling, molecular skills such as PCR, DNA extraction, plasmid preps, cloning, immunostaining,  and/or in situ hybridization

Required

Demonstrated experience in programming in MATLAB and other languages.

Required

Demonstrated experience in managing several tasks, keeping all on trackand organized.

Required

Experience with following and enforcing guidelines relating to laboratorysafety

Required

Experience with animal maintenance (especially zebrafish), microinjections, genome editing, microscopy, sequencing, and/or coding

Preferred

Must be willing to train in and learn new skills

Required

Ability to work independently, supervise others, and follow through withtasks.

Required

Must be comfortable creating and giving presentations.

Required

Ability to use standard computer programming tools and databases

Required

Interpersonal communication skills, and ability to work and make decisions independently as part of a team.

Required

Ability to maintain a laboratory record containing clear well-organizedsummaries of experiments and results.

Required

Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships in the laboratory.

Required

Knowledge of University guidelines relating to biological safety.

Required

Ability to maintain a laboratory record containing clear well-organizedsummaries of experiments and results.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

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

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

Clery Act: The position is a designated CSA (Campus Security Authority) under Clery Act requirements.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Hershey Hall

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.