Staff Research Associate 3

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The laboratory of Dr. Albert La Spada, Professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Neurology, is a molecular neurogenetics research program that studies neurodegenerative diseases and neural dysfunction. The La Spada lab is a molecular neuroscience lab in which genetic, molecular, neurobiological, and cell biology approaches are applied to determine mechanisms of neuron function and neurological disease. Emphasis is placed on using genomics, bioinformatics, and proteomics discovery-driven strategies to uncover disease pathways. The La Spada lab, as part of its research program, uses the mouse to recapitulate and model neurological diseases that occur in humans. These mice are carefully studied to determine if they develop the disease of interest. Once neurological disease mouse models are created, the La Spada lab analyzes the function of genes and proteins in mice to identify which genes and proteins are altered during the disease process. The La Spada lab is located on the 2nd floor of the Interdisciplinary Sciences and Engineering Building (ISEB). Mice are housed in a vivarium located in an adjacent building (McGaugh Hall), within a 3-minute walk of ISEB.

This SRA-III position is intended for a biomedical researcher who has at least 5 years of experience managing and studying a large colony of mice, with at least a B.A. / B.S. degree in Biology or another related field of biomedicine, and with significant experience handling and performing procedures on mice. The successful applicant will assume the role of senior mouse colony manager and will oversee a colony of 800 - 1,500 cages of mice, maintaining the organization and oversight of all ongoing mouse studies, including maintaining a census of individuals and ongoing directed genetic breeding, working closely with other lab members and providing technical research support in a research laboratory and mouse vivarium. The successful applicant will establish motor behavior testing and neurological exam screening protocols for assessment of model mice, and will be capable of overseeing preclinical trials where genetic and pharmacological interventions will be tested. The successful applicant will work closely with graduate students, postdocs, and project scientists on experiments ranging from genomics to molecular biology to ASO / gene therapy. In addition to tasks involved in producing mice for research projects, the successful applicant will assist with specific experimental procedures, including molecular biology techniques and cell culture experiments, and become directly involved in a number of research projects, based upon their interests and skill set.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Must be willing to handle and be around hazardous chemicals and materials.
Must be willing to work with animals, bio-hazardous materials, toxic chemicals, and to sacrifice mice.
Must be willing to work occasional evenings or weekends as required.

• Strong computer skills and experience with word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics software.
• Experience with rodent behavior assays
• Excellent organizational skills (keep inventory, maintain equipment, etc.).
• Willingness to learn new molecular, neurobiological, and biochemical techniques
• Theoretical knowledge of rodent reproduction and knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to safety and animal care.
• Theoretical knowledge, equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Biology or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Experience in cell cultures. Knowledge of sterile techniques and ability to create standard media supplies. Ability to maintain and create primary neuronal cell lines.
• Previous experience in a lab setting.
• Familiarity with minor procedures on live mice (ear punching, and hormonal injections).
• Familiarity with protein techniques such as Western blots, DNA techniques: PCR
• Experience working in a mouse colony. Ability to recognize normal and abnormal body functions and vital signs in mice. Knowledge of vivaria procedures and equipment used for care of animals (housing, sanitation, feeding, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with diverse population. Strong interpersonal skills including diplomacy and flexibility, with ability to work in a team framework.

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $30.73- $41.37 (Hourly).



Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement:

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.

Salary : $31 - $41