Staff Research Associate 1 MCB Research

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Departmental Overview

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) at the University of California, Berkeley conducts teaching and research focused on the molecular structures and cellular processes that underlie the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms. The department supports a broad and interdisciplinary research agenda spanning biochemistry, biophysics, molecular and structural biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, cell and developmental biology, tumor biology, microbiology, immunology, pathogenesis, and neurobiology.

MCB research draws on a wide range of model systems, including viruses, microbes, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates, to address fundamental biological questions. The department is organized into five divisions: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Cell and Developmental Biology; Genetics, Genomics and Development; Molecular Therapeutics; and Immunology and Molecular Medicine.

Position Summary

Stanley lab is a multidisciplinary research team at the University of California, Berkeley, Molecular and Cell Biology. The teams seek to translate basic disease biology and pathogenesis research from the laboratory. The main purpose of the position is to investigate the mechanistic basis of successful immune control of tuberculosis through the lens of metabolism.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is June 17, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct independent research on M. tuberculosis.
• Responsible for generating knockout bacteria, testing their phenotypes in vitro, and analyzing the impact of genetic perturbations on control of TB infection using the mouse model.
• Investigates the mechanistic basis of successful immune control of tuberculosis through the lens of metabolism.

Lab Support

• Assist laboratory staff in research projects by infecting mice with M. tuberculosis.
• Analyze the outcome of M. tuberculosis infection by enumerating bacterial numbers in tissue.
• Analyze the cellular immune response by flow cytometry.

Laboratory Maintenance

• Order supplies for BSL3 and BLS2 laboratories.
• Unpack received items.
• Clean and organize laboratories.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Maintain all safety records and protocols.
• Liaison with Environmental Health and Safety to coordinate lab inspections.

Colony Management

• Oversee mouse colony.

Required Qualifications

• Self-motivated, energetic and able to work in a diverse team environment.
• Significant experience with tissue culture and common techniques in molecular biology.
• Experience with macrophage culture.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience working with human pathogens or immunology.
• Flexibility in work schedule.

Education / Training

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• BSL2 or BSL3 experience.
• Work with primary macrophages and experience with analysis of the immune response.
• Strong understanding of immunology and microbial pathogenesis through coursework and research.
• Experience with flow cytometry.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website .

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $28.69 (Step 1) - $30.56 (Step 4). This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position. This is a full-time [40 hours/week] Career position eligible for full UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at:
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.