Staff Research Associate I

Job Description

The incumbent will train under the P.I. to conduct bench and animal research to investigate the mechanisms underlying muscle stem cell differentiation during muscle injury and regeneration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS-Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

• Isolates stem cells from human and mouse muscle tissue with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
• Performs transcriptional analysis of muscle stem cells (including RT-PCR, bulk and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq)
• Performs muscle stem cell culture and differentiation assays
• Performs mouse muscle grip force and mechanical testing
• Performs pharmacological and/or physically treatment for disease mouse models (e.g. DMD or ALS)
• Performs inducible tissue-specific knock-in/knock-out mice strain generation and maintenance
• Performs mouse colony management and genotyping.
• Performs tissue sectioning and histology analysis
• Establishes short-term goals and objectives; develops and/or approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and directs evaluation activities
• Perform lab supplies ordering, lab maintenance and safety compliance
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:

Bachelor degree (BA, BS or equivalent) in area directly related to field of biological research specialization is required. Previous animal training, experience with stem cell culture, muscle histology is preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of program operations.
• Knowledge and skills in small animal surgery, rodent colony management and genotyping.
• Knowledge of the key issues, program goals and objectives, work processes, and administrative operations of the organization.
• Knowledge and skills in RNA/protein extraction, RT-PCR, Western-blot, primary cell culture, tissue sectioning/staining.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals.
• Ability to communicate with others and to assimilate and understand information, in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
• Ability to operate assigned equipment.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.

The base salary range for this position is $24.11-$28.87 per hour. The base salary actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate's geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.

The Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. NCIRE is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, Veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under federal and state law, and to make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We are committed to furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity. NCIRE actively works to attract and retain talented individuals. NCIRE offers career opportunities in research and administration in pursuit of furthering medical research for our nation's Veterans.