Orthodontics Staff Research Associate 

SRA 3 (009611)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_2057

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

11/13/2024 8:05:16 PM

Date Last Edited:

11/13/2024 8:04:24 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

2100O

Organization:

DENTISTRY                              

Division Code:

2110D

Division:

CLINICAL                               

Department:

135000 - DENTISTRY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_2057

Position Description ID

230293

UC Payroll Title:

SRA 3 (009611)

Business Title:

Orthodontics Staff Research Associate 

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

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:

40862559

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROF-HCOMP

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40061708

Department Head Payroll Title:

Dean

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

Within the School of Dentistry, the Staff Research Associate (SRA) will join a lab focusing on understanding mechanisms of cartilage and bone remodeling, regeneration and degeneration in health and disease. This research covers a range of conditions and systems, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and periodontal mechanobiology.

The preclinical studies utilize both in vivo transgenic mouse models and in vitro studies to dissect the cellular and molecular basis for skeletal tissue turnover. Studies on human subjects focus on multi-omics of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions (COPCs) for stratification of patient endotypes towards identifying approaches to personalized therapies. We're seeking a dedicated and highly skilled SRA who will take a central role in managing projects aimed at delineating osteochondral and sensory-sympathetic cross-talk in TMJ disease using mice models and in humans.

A critical portion of this position involves performing precise assays and bioinformatic analyses. The incumbent will ensure the progress of clinical studies and assays on human samples and will conduct bioinformatic and other analyses.

In addition to scientific responsibilities, the incumbent will play a crucial role in ensuring the laboratory's operational efficiency. This includes managing the procurement and usage of laboratory supplies, overseeing and coordinating student schedules, and maintaining and submitting updates for animal care protocols.

This is a great opportunity for any motivated and aspiring candidate to contribute to important often debilitating disorders and advance their scientific training.

Within the School of Dentistry, the Staff Research Associate (SRA) will join a lab focusing on understanding mechanisms of cartilage and bone remodeling, regeneration and degeneration in health and disease. This research covers a range of conditions and systems, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and periodontal mechanobiology.

The preclinical studies utilize both in vivo transgenic mouse models and in vitro studies to dissect the cellular and molecular basis for skeletal tissue turnover. Studies on human subjects focus on multi-omics of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions (COPCs) for stratification of patient endotypes towards identifying approaches to personalized therapies. We’re seeking a dedicated and highly skilled SRA who will take a central role in managing projects aimed at delineating osteochondral and sensory-sympathetic cross-talk in TMJ disease using mice models and in humans.

A critical portion of this position involves performing precise assays and bioinformatic analyses. The incumbent will ensure the progress of clinical studies and assays on human samples and will conduct bioinformatic and other analyses.

In addition to scientific responsibilities, the incumbent will play a crucial role in ensuring the laboratory’s operational efficiency. This includes managing the procurement and usage of laboratory supplies, overseeing and coordinating student schedules, and maintaining and submitting updates for animal care protocols.

This is a great opportunity for any motivated and aspiring candidate to contribute to important often debilitating disorders and advance their scientific training.

EXPERIMENTATION/RESEARCH

1. Develop and utilize appropriate mouse models for TMJ disorders and conditional transgenic mouse models to test the role of specific pathways in TMJ homeostasis and disease

2. Undertake appropriate in vitro experiments involving cell and tissue culture for identifying mechanisms of pathogenesis and in vivo changes and vice versa

3. Perform outcomes assays for preclinical and clinica studies including:

(a) sectioning, immunohistochemistry, H&E staining, in situ hybridization, RNA scope, microscopy imaging and quantitation

(b) Micro-CT and in vivo tracing of molecules

(c) Western blots, proteomics and transcriptomics (single cell RNA-seq and CyTOF)

(d) bioinformatic analyses

4. Design preclinical and clinical studies (including appropriate controls), analyze data, compile figures, and write manuscripts and grants.

5. Coordinate clinical studies including:

(a) assessing records quality and ensuring subject enrollment targets and timeliness are met

(b) ensuring specimen pipelines, processing, assay quality control, and completion of omic assays

(c) ensuring proper records are maintained and documents (e.g. Manual of Procedures, Study Protocols) are updated as needed

(d) ensuring optimized data is deposited in internal and public repositories

(e) Help PI with IRB applications

85%

LABORATORY MANAGEMENT

1. Check lab inventory and keep the space clean, safe and organized. Order and maintain materials pertaining to experiments.

2. Help enforce lab safety rules.

3. Help train and onboard new lab members.

4. Apply for, update and obtain regulatory clearances including IRBs, BUA, etc.

15%

•

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

Master's Degree

Equivalent in biological sciences

Preferred

Or

PhD

Equivalent in biological sciences

Preferred

Or

Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree

Equivalent in biological sciences

Preferred

Or

MS or PhD or DDS or MD degree or equivalent in biological sciences and at least 2 years of experience performing basic biological experiments in a laboratory setting.

Preferred

Having knowledge in skeletal biology is a plus.

Preferred

Experience in working with small animals such as mice and rats

Required

Experience in all areas of cell and molecular biology techniques is highly preferred.

Experience to include:

a) Mouse handling, tissue extraction, and micro dissection

c) Molecular work, including PCR, and DNA, RNA, and protein work.

d) Histology, microscopy, confocal microscopy and image processing

Preferred

Ability to make substantial contributions to the design and execution of lab experiments.

Required

Skill in recognizing problems and taking appropriate action including asking questions or notifying the PI.

Required

Ability to communicate in both verbal and written forms, to maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, and to present research in lab meetings.

Required

Ability to work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively.

Required

Excellent interpersonal skills - Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and to work as a member of a team.

Required

Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal supervision and direction.

Required

Skill in writing scientific reports and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.

Required

Ability to train lab staff, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and trainees at all levels.

Required

Ability to learn imaging software programs such as Imaris and R, and bioinformatic software / portals.

Preferred

Ability to take initiative and to problem solve.

Required

Knowledge of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and periodontal mechanobiology.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

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

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

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Dentistry

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

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 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.