Staff Research Associate 2 Non Exempt

SRA 2 NEX (009617)

UCPath Position ID: 41167514

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

5/1/2025 6:26:49 PM

Date Last Edited:

5/1/2025 6:26:39 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:

41167514

Position Description ID

238943

UC Payroll Title:

SRA 2 NEX (009617)

Business Title:

Staff Research Associate 2 Non Exempt

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:

40188850

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROF-FY

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40881053

Department Head Payroll Title:

Admin Mgr 2

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

POSITION SUMMARY

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-driven incumbent to conduct scientific projects and perform experiments. The laboratory studies autoimmune diseases and anti-cancer immune responses in both animal models and humans. This position will entail a variety of research procedures, including molecular biology (PCR, DNA sub cloning, sequencing, protein analysis), tissue culture, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry. Experience maintaining a mouse colony, including genotyping, husbandry, and meticulous record keeping, are essential. We expect the SRA will be able to perform procedures on mice, including motor nerve conduction studies and retro-orbital injections. Functioning as a clinical research coordinator and preparation of peripheral blood mononuclear samples are also required.

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.

Conduct Research

1. Perform biochemistry, molecular and cellular assays including western blot, gel-shift, cloning, PCR, real-time PCR, ELISA and flow cytometry.

2. Perform tissue culture of primary mammalian cells and cell lines.

3. Conduct mouse work including dissection, injection, adoptive transfer, tumor challenge, immunization and imaging.

4. Perform FACS and magnetic bead sorting of various immune cell populations for in vitro assays.

5. Prepare tissues, cut sections, stain with antibodies and acquire data by fluorescence microscopy.

6. Maintain accurate and complete experimental research records. Present data to principal investigator and collaborators and participate in evaluation and interpretation of data.

7. Design experiments and prepare data for manuscript publication.

8.     Perform procedures on mice, including motor nerve conduction studies and retro-orbital injections.

9.     Functioning as a clinical research coordinator and preparation of peripheral blood mononuclear samples are also required.

30%

Laboratory Management, Maintenance and Oversight

1. Monitor and ensure the availability of all lab supplies, order and receive supplies, keep log of items ordered and received, maintain an inventory of lab supplies, and approximate budgets during grant year.

2. Manage routine maintenance of equipment(s), contact and interact with appropriate person(s) for repairs.

3. Maintain and store cell lines for laboratory use.

4. Prepare common laboratory reagents and solutions.

5. Keep extensive inventory on lab stock reagents and items stored in all freezers and liquid nitrogen.

6. Maintain files of laboratory procedures and protocols.

7. Prepare items to be sent to other research laboratories upon request.

8. Manage proper disposal of biohazardous, hazardous and radioactive waste.

9. Oversee/train undergraduate and new graduate students with research techniques and lab etiquette.

10. Train new lab members according to the laboratory notebook and lab safety protocol.

11. Manage and track lab safety training records for all lab personnel.

12. Advise all lab members on which lab safety training courses are required and/or due for renewal. Provide instruction on how/when to enroll.

30%

Management and Maintenance of Mouse Colonies

1. Manage mouse colony. Daily monitoring of mice for health checks, birth of new pups and weaning of pups.

2. Actively maintain complete and accurate breeding records. Maintain enough breeding mice to yield appropriate number of sex and age matched animals for experimental use and to maintain breeding.

3. Coordinate lab personnel and mice schedules for timed experiments.

4. Collect tissue sample for genotyping mice using PCR or Southern Blot methods.

5. Maintain supplies and equipment required for mouse studies.

40%

•

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

1. Knowledge of sterile techniques used in tissue culture.

Required

2. Knowledge and skill to manage mouse colonies.

Required

3. Demonstrated knowledge of animal husbandry and regulations, including tissue collection and processing.

Required

4. Knowledge of genotyping methods.

Required

5. Demonstrated skill in use of specialized laboratory equipment, including flow cytometers, centrifuge, light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, ELISA plate reader, PCR and real-time PCR machines and tissue culture hood.

Required

6. Demonstrated skill performing and analyzing multiple virologic and immunologic assays, including growing and purification of infectious agents, titration assays, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR and RT-PCR, FACS and magnetic bead sorting, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and ELISA

Required

7. Skill in analyzing, developing and adapting established experimental methods to specific research needs.

Required

8. Skill in keeping accurate and organized experimental records. Ability to write clear and concise experimental protocols.

Required

9. Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory safety procedures associated with the handling and disposal of chemicals and chemical waste, radioisotopes and radioactive waste and biohazards and biohazardous waste.

Required

10. Knowledge of and ability to control safe and efficient use of laboratory equipment, supplies and space.

Required

11. Skill in working independently and following through on assignments from initiation to completion with minimal direction and supervision.

Preferred

12. Organizational skill and flexibility to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Ability to simultaneously perform all lab management while maintaining an active research program.

Preferred

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:

Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

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

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 1: Position in which required tasks routinely involve a potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues, potential spills, and splashes. Use of appropriate measures is required for every employee in this position.