Staff Research Associate 3 - 129018

University of California, San Diego, United States

Updated: 19 days ago
Location: La Jolla, CALIFORNIA
Deadline: ;

Under general supervision, the Staff Research Associate 3 will undertake research projects in collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI) making innovative contributions pertaining to research and experiments.

This position will involve both independent experimental research and lab management responsibilities. The incumbent will contribute original ideas of importance to the prosecution of research projects related to studying synaptic and circuit plasticity in the rodent brain using electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and various molecular techniques. This will involve performing surgeries on rodents to introduce vectors for gene manipulation or to affix hardware to enable in vivo imaging, preparing ex vivo brain slices and obtaining whole cell, cell attached, or field potential recordings, acquiring calcium imaging data from neurons in vivo, and analyzing electrophysiology and imaging data sets.

The incumbent will be responsible for initiating collaborations with other researchers on campus by designing the project and performing all initial experiments to demonstrate feasibility. The incumbent will be responsible for standardizing new techniques and train lab members and their collaborators in the techniques. The incumbent will be required to participate in lab meetings and seminars related to the projects. The incumbent will also hire, train, and direct the work of undergraduate students who will provide general lab support for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Perform other duties as assigned.


  • Strong practical and theoretical knowledge of neurobiology, cellular physiology, and electrophysiology, including relevant laboratory techniques, acquired through education and lab experience. MS or PhD in a related field strongly preferred.

  • Strong demonstrated experience working with mice and mouse brain tissue.

  • Demonstrated experience operating a confocal or two photon microscope for live imaging.

  • Demonstrated experience working with AAV using in vivo models

  • Experience independently participating in the execution of research projects or portions of such projects, independently planning, organizing, and performing experiments and selecting data for analysis.

  • Experience preparing figures for presentation.

  • Demonstrated experience with sectioning, processing and analyzing histological samples. extensive knowledge of specialized scientific terminology relating to neurobiology

  • Demonstrated experience working with mice as research model system, including experience genotyping, maintaining mouse lines, and performing surgery and dissection.

  • Proven ability to utilize scientific literature and apply to a research project. Experience conducting scientific literature searches, including online databases and other resources.

  • Ability to develop, follow, and troubleshoot established lab protocols and lab procedures with direction from PI. Ability to make important original contributions pertaining to laboratory procedures.

  • Demonstrated experience preparing and editing scientific papers, manuscripts, and lab data. Experience presenting research to formal audience.

  • Excellent organizational skills including the ability to keep clear and accurate records, organize a varied workload, follow written and oral protocol, and give oral presentations on the progress of research in lab meetings.

  • Excellent interpersonal communication skill to interact well with others to facilitate communication about lab requirements including the ability to discuss and understand day-to-day lab affairs, research plans, results, and ideas with PI and other lab personnel in a constructive professional and pleasant manner.

  • Familiarity with apple and PC computers and associated work processing and spreadsheet software with a willingness and ability to update and increase skills and knowledge as needed.

  • Ability to use image and electrophysiology analyses platforms such as suit2P or IGOR. Basic coding in Matlab, python, or R.

  • Demonstrated ability to hire and manage undergraduate students and other laboratory staff. Skill to train others in various lab techniques and procedures

  • Experience and knowledge of proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, biochemicals, hazardous chemicals, and biohazardous materials.

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality in matters related to work.

  • Strong demonstrated experience with standard lab equipment found in contemporary neurobiology lab.

  • Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.

  • Knowledge of laws and regulations that govern the housing and management of laboratory animals as applied to the University of California. Sensitivity to the needs of caged laboratory animals in compliance with AAALAC standards.

  • Skill and knowledge to proactively maintain an organized lab.

  • Demonstrated good work habits, including responsible conduct in research to accurately and objectively present results.


    • Pay Transparency Act

    Annual Full Pay Range: $64,506 - $103,727 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

    Hourly Equivalent: $30.89 - $49.68

    Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).


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