Research Assistant (Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics)

The Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior is seeking to hire a full-time Research Assistant to join the Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics Lab. The laboratory studies the biological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, using innovative approaches in mouse genetics, molecular biology, systems neuroscience, and advanced imaging technologies. You will contribute to groundbreaking neuroscience by applying advanced laboratory techniques to investigate disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. Key responsibilities include:
- Perform advanced neuroscience, molecular biology, and cellular biology research techniques
- Culture mammalian cell lines, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and light sheet imaging of mouse brain tissue and human organoids
- Manage mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, health monitoring, and experimental recordkeeping
- Collect and process tissue and biological samples for DNA, RNA, and protein analyses
- Support viral vector studies, including AAV and lentiviral applications in cell and animal models
- Assist with experimental design, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and research reports
Salary range: $32.79/hr - $52.75/hr
Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Molecular Genetics, or related field
Minimum 3 years of research experience in neuroscience, molecular genetics, molecular biology or related field
Demonstrated proficiency with molecular, cellular, pathological, and animal research techniques
Experience working with mouse models, including colony management, genotyping, histopathology, imaging, and data analysis
Experience culturing cell lines and/or primary cells and performing molecular analyses
Experience with molecular cloning, DNA, RNA, and protein extraction techniques
Experience utilizing viral vectors in cell-based or animal studies
Ability to contribute to experimental design, data collection, and data analysis activities
Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to contribute to specific manuscripts, reports, or other research-related materials

Preferred:
Experience contributing to scientific publications or scholarly research products in neuroscience, molecular genetics, molecular biology, or related field
As a condition of employment , the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.