Staff Research Associate 1

SRA 1 (009613)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_940621

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

11/17/2025 2:52:42 PM

Date Last Edited:

11/17/2025 2:52:38 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:

086500 - MOLECULAR, CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_940621

Position Description ID

247056

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:

40063052

Reports to Payroll Title:

Professor

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40040775

Department Head Payroll Title:

Professor & Chair

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

The incumbent will contribute to our lab's studies of the role of intermediate filaments in regulating sensory neuron and epithelial cell morphology. Specifically, the incumbent will use cutting-edge genome-modification approaches to fluorescently label endogenous intermediate filament proteins in zebrafish. They will use live microscopy to document the localization of these proteins during dynamic developmental processes. The incumbent will also maintain zebrafish lines required for the research project. The incumbent will be expected to develop intellectual mastery of the project and deep knowledge of relevant literature. These experiments will require proficiency in molecular-genetic methods, confocal imaging, zebrafish husbandry, embryo microinjection, molecular subcloning, and quantitative image analysis.

The Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology advances our knowledge of life on earth at the cellular and molecular levels.  Our mission is to educate the next generation of scholars, professionals, and citizens of the world by fully integrating our students into cutting-edge research activities, including hands-on participation in the process of scientific discovery. Our faculty conducts research with a variety of models including Arabidopsis, Drosophila, zebrafish, mouse and stem cells to address the most pressing problems in biology, health and sustainability.

Research Responsibilities

A1. Maintain and manage zebrafish lines required for the research project, including breeding, embryo collection, and general husbandry tasks. (E)

A2. Perform molecular, genetic, pharmacological, and embryological experiments to support ongoing research objectives. (E)

A3. Conduct PCR-based genotyping and molecular analyses to validate genetic modifications. (E)

A4. Perform live and fixed-sample confocal imaging to document protein localization and developmental processes. (E)

A5. Execute microinjection procedures in zebrafish embryos for genome editing and transgenic line generation. (E)

A6. Conduct quantitative image analysis and perform statistical evaluation of data using ImageJ, R, or related software. (E)

90%

Laboratory Maintenance & Research Support

B1. Assist with general laboratory organization, including maintenance of shared equipment, microscopy facilities, and experimental workspaces. (E)

5%

Other Laboratory Responsibilities

C1. Order laboratory reagents, consumables, and equipment needed to support ongoing research. (E)

C2. Prepare plasmids, materials, and zebrafish shipments for collaboration and resource-sharing with other research groups. (E)

C3. Contribute to the preparation of research manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals by summarizing methods, results, and experimental data. (E)

5%

•

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 the biological sciences and / or equivalent experience and / or training

Preferred

2 years

laboratory experience in performing molecular genetics experiments

Required

Or

2 years

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required

Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot technical issues, and draw logical conclusions from results.

Required

Ability to interpret and follow research protocols, maintain clear and organized laboratory notebooks, and draft experimental methods with precision.

Required

Experience using ImageJ and R (or similar software) for quantitative image analysis and statistical evaluation.

Preferred

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in a research team environment.

Required

Experience handling zebrafish, including husbandry, breeding, microinjection, or related procedures, with demonstrated accuracy in record-keeping.

Preferred

Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures, biological safety regulations, and guidelines for working with vertebrate animals.

Preferred

Ability to order supplies, manage inventory, maintain laboratory equipment, and ensure an organized workspace to support research needs.

Required

Ability to perform targeted literature searches and synthesize scientific findings to inform experimental design and project direction.

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.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Biomedical Sciences Research Building (BSRB)

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 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.