Staff Research Associate 2

Job Title

Staff Research Associate 2 Non Exempt (TBD_1000151)

Department Summary

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.

Position Summary

The Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics (MIMG) is ranked among the top 10 microbiology departments in the country. We are proud of our internationally recognized faculty—whose research funding, in total, is among the highest in the nation; and whose research spans the disciplines of structural biology, cell biology, bacterial physiology, bacterial development and gene regulation, bacterial pathogenesis, virology and viral pathogenesis, molecular and cellular parasitology, immunology, molecular genetics, stem cell biology, cancer biology, and computational biology. We leverage this scientific diversity—along with our partnerships with other institutes, centers and departments at UCLA—to further cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research and enrich teaching.

Salary & Compensation

UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• Lab Experience Relevant Experience (Required)
• Working knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, virology, immunology, or biochemistry sufficient to understand assigned experimental objectives, controls, and expected outcomes. (Required)
• Skill in sterile mammalian cell culture, accurate micropipetting, solution preparation, and calculation of dilutions, concentrations, and molarity. (Required)
• Skill in one or more relevant laboratory methods, such as PCR and cloning, immunoblotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, microscopy, viral-entry or fusion assays, neutralization assays, or viral-vector and VLP production. (Required)
• Ability to follow detailed written protocols, manufacturer instructions, approved amendments, and laboratory SOPs accurately and reproducibly. Ability to comply with required biosafety, chemical, occupational health, exposure-control, PPE, decontamination, and waste-management procedures. (Required)
• Ability to plan sequential experiments, manage multiple samples and time points, prioritize competing tasks, and complete work within scientific and operational deadlines. (Required)
• Ability to recognize unexpected results or technical problems, troubleshoot routine procedures systematically, document corrective actions, and escalate non-routine issues appropriately. (Required)
• Skill in quantitative data analysis and use of software such as Excel, GraphPad Prism, ImageJ/Fiji, FlowJo, or equivalent applications. (Preferred)
• Ability to maintain complete, contemporaneous, and traceable research records, including raw data, calculations, sample identifiers, reagent lots, and protocol deviations. (Required)
• Skill in organizing biological samples, reagents, inventories, freezer locations, and digital data using established naming and tracking systems. Ability to operate common laboratory equipment and perform routine user maintenance after documented training. (Required)
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing and orally, collaborate with individuals from varied scientific backgrounds, and provide task-specific instruction in established procedures. Skill in preparing concise experimental summaries, figures, tables, protocols, and technical documentation. (Required)
• Ability to complete all UCLA-required safety, medical surveillance, and containment-specific training before performing assigned regulated or higher-containment work. (Required)
• Ability to perform occasional evening or weekend work for time-sensitive experiments with reasonable advance notice. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Bachelor's Degree In Biological Sciences or equivalent experience and education. (Preferred)

Special Conditions for 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)
• Ability to perform repetitive fine-motor pipetting. (Required)
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment. (Required)

Schedule

M-F 8am-5pm

Union/Policy Covered

RX-Research Support Professionals