VSV Experimental Evolution, Staff Research Associate (9613C) - #80725

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Departmental Overview

IB at UC Berkeley is a broad biology department with a name that reflects the belief that the study of biological systems is best approached by incorporating many perspectives. We bring together a diversity of disciplines that complement one another to unravel the complexity of biology. We incorporate the physical sciences and engineering, and the social sciences, as appropriate, to problems we are addressing. We work with animals, plants and other organisms and our research spans the levels of the biological hierarchy from molecules to ecosystems.

Position Summary

The Brook lab seeks a Staff Research Associate (SRA) to carry out experimental evolution of VSV on cell lines derived from different bat species, undertake plaque assays to quantify virus growth rate, and prep samples for both amplicon sequencing of evolving VSV and RNA-sequencing to quantify host cell immune responses from various timepoints, under close supervision by the PI. In addition, the lab seeks an SRA who can support RNA extraction, qPCR, and Next Generation Sequencing of samples collected from wild fruit bats in our Madagascar study system; the assistant will additionally be responsible for Luminex serological assay of these serum samples collected from this same wild bat system.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 09/05/2025.

Responsibilities

• Carry out experimental evolution of VSV across 12 different bat cell lines in triplicate experiments for 25-50 rounds of serial passage.
• Conduct plaque assays to quantify virus growth rates from experimental evolution studies.
• Conduct RNA extractions, library prep, and next generation sequencing of both virus and host cell samples from specified timepoints in the experiment.
• Analyze resulting experimental time series data in R and genomic data in Geneious, among other phylogenetic tools.
• Conduct RNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing of samples collected from wild-caught Madagascar fruit bats.
• Conduct Luminex serology of serum collected from wild-caught Madagascar fruit bats.

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience conducting viral infections in mammalian cell culture.
• Experience conducting plaque assays.
• Experience in RNA extraction, qPCR, and Next Generation Sequencing.
• Experience conducting Luminex-based serology.
• Experience with R, RaxML, Geneious, and BEAST.
• Field experience with wild bats.
• Knowledge of the Brook lab Madagascar bat system.
• Coursework in biological sciences or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

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

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 $26.52 (Step 1) - $28.26 (Step 4).

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

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: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This position is eligible for up to 25% remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.