Staff Research Associate 2 Non Exempt

SRA 2 NEX (009617)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_4302

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

4/29/2025 12:25:38 PM

Date Last Edited:

4/29/2025 12:25:34 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_4302

Position Description ID

239252

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:

40043934

Reports to Payroll Title:

Professor

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

Under the general supervision of the laboratory Principal Investigator, the incumbent SRA's major functions will be to package and titer lentiviral vectors; perform techniques such as cell culture, generating cell banks, DNA and RNA isolation, ddPCR analysis. Lab management duties, including; ordering supplies, tracking inventory, maintaining safety manuals, organizing preventative maintenance of equipment.

The MIMG department’s mission is to provide the highest quality research and education possible in the fields of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, informed by diverse scientific viewpoints. To meet this goal, we shall foster an inclusive climate and recruit a diverse group of scientists, educators, and students, who will address the most relevant problems in microbial pathogenesis, host cell biology, immune defense, and the host-pathogen interface.

Package Lentiviral Vectors

1.Maintain cell lines (including cell banking and inventory) for packaging vectors for lab members and other labs.

2. Package viral vectors, tasks include: performing transfections, medium changes, harvesting and concentrating vector.

3. Maintain specialized supplies and equipment needed for viral packaging work.

4. Produce positive control samples for the lab, which are used to assess vector potency and accuracy of ddPCR analysis.

5. Analyze vector preparations, perform accurate dilutions and transductions, isolate genomic DNA taking extreme caution to avoid plasmid contamination, follow lab SOPs to perform vector-related qPCR and ddPCR assays and update the SOPs as necessary.

6. Independently perform data analysis that is required to titer vector preparations.

50%

Lab Management

1. Responsible for ordering ALL lab supplies.

2. Responsible for tracking inventory and communicating with lab members about potential shortages or overstock situations.

3. Responsible for maintaining EH&S related lab safety manuals and lab specific training records. Also responsible for handling EH&S inspections.

4. After training for shipping biohazardous materials, SRA will be assigned as the primary lab member responsible for shipping all biohazardous packages.

5. Meet with PI and manage lab expenditures/track accounts being used for grant specific supplies.6. Primary lab member responsible for organizing preventative maintenance of essential equipment.

50%

•

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

M.S. degree in Biological Sciences or equivalent combination of experience and education.

Preferred

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

Required

2. Experience with packaging viral vectors.

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 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

10. Ability to lift and move up to 25 lbs.

Required

11. M.S. degree in Biological Sciences or equivalent combination of experience and education.

Preferred

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.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Terasaki Life Sciences Bldg.

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

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

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.