SRA 1

JOB SUMMARY

The Alba laboratory is looking for a highly motivated and diligent individual for the role of Staff Research Associate I (SRA I) to join our team and contribute to both new and ongoing research focused on adipose tissue biology and metabolic health. As part of our collaborative environment, you will contribute to the study of the intricate roles of adipose tissue in metabolic health. We investigate how chronic inflammation and tissue fibrosis in adipose tissue can lead to increased risk for the development of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. By examining these processes, we aim to develop targeted interventions that can mitigate these risks in high-risk populations.

We seek a research associate who will assist the team by performing laboratory and investigative procedures using a wide array of experimental techniques such as flow cytometry, PCR, cell culture and ELISA-like assays. Translational research components will involve experiments with human blood and adipose samples. SRA responsibilities regarding mouse model systems will include breeding, controlled expansion of the colony, diet manipulation, as well as dissecting tissues to obtain cells for culture and analysis of gene expression.

In addition to assisting with different projects in the lab, the SRA will carry out lab management duties including: ordering supplies/reagents, managing laboratory protocols and approvals (mouse care protocol, bio-safety protocol, and chemical inventory).

Department Overview:

The UCSF Department of Medicine is the largest department at Zuckerberg San Francisco General (ZSFG) Hospital and the second largest department in the School of Medicine (second only to Medicine-Parnassus). The Department is divided into 15 Divisions/Centers plus Central Administration and operates 33 outpatient clinics, 4

inpatient services, and 14 consult services. The total annual budget is over $130 million, which provides salary support for the following full-time equivalents: 200 academics, 44 clinical fellows, 20 staff physician, and 350 staff employees.

The Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at ZSFG provides specialty care in diabetes and general endocrinology for patients receiving care in the San Francisco Safety Net. Our mission is to provide world-class endocrinology care in the clinic and lead the endocrine field in research.

Our division aspires to be an actively anti-racist group. We welcome applicants who will contribute to our institution-wide efforts celebrating our cultural backgrounds and be resolute in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism activities.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No )

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

30

Yes

Mouse work: Mouse colony maintenance including husbandry, weaning, genotyping and inventory. Will work with mouse models of adipose diseases that will require IP injections, radiologic analysis and collection of tissues for histologic analysis.

30

Yes

Molecular biology techniques: isolation of RNA, cDNA, protein; quantitative qPCR; Western blotting; cloning; agarose gel electrophoresis; FACS

15

Yes

Biobank maintenance: including collecting and processing human samples

15

Yes

Record-keeping and general laboratory maintenance, including setting up the lab, ordering and stocking supplies, and coordinating equipment maintenance. Attendance at trainings and seminars to advance the understanding of the individual's projects and career development

10

Yes

Tissue culture: Maintenance of primary and immortalized human and/or mouse cell lines; and in vitro differentiation studies; microscopy

100%

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with basic biochemical assays and molecular biology techniques
• Proficiency in R, Python, or equivalent statistical programming for data analysis and imaging analysis
• Experience with histology workflows including tissue embedding, processing, staining, and image acquisition and analysis
• Prior experience with adipose tissue techniques (e.g., tissue isolation, sectioning, immunohistochemistry)
• Analytical and judgment skills to conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; collaborative team player
• Willingness to be flexible with work hours to accommodate experimental schedules

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in or experience with using mouse models
• Immunohistochemistry experience
• Familiarity with multi-modal data analysis pipelines

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with basic biochemical assays and molecular biology techniques
• Proficiency in R, Python, or equivalent statistical programming for data analysis and imaging analysis
• Experience with histology workflows including tissue embedding, processing, staining, and image acquisition and analysis
• Prior experience with adipose tissue techniques (e.g., tissue isolation, sectioning, immunohistochemistry)
• Analytical and judgment skills to conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; collaborative team player
• Willingness to be flexible with work hours to accommodate experimental schedules

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in or experience with using mouse models
• Immunohistochemistry experience
• Familiarity with multi-modal data analysis pipelines