Job Description

Staff Research Associate (9613C) - 82438 About Berkeley



At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.



As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.



We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , Principles of Community , and Strategic Plan .



At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.



Departmental Overview



The Department of Psychology is a large, complex department within the College of Letters and Science (Division of Social Sciences). It comprises nearly 40 active faculty members, 16 career staff, 3 continuing Lecturers, a number of Visiting Scholars and Postdocs each year, as well as a large cadre of Graduate Student Instructors and Graduate Student Researchers.



The fundamental missions of the University - teaching, research, and community service - are all met by the Department. Our teaching program is quite large.



Psychology has nearly 800 undergraduates and department courses serve approximately 4,000 students each semester, as well as a large summer sessions offering each year. The Department has approximately 90 graduate students pursuing doctoral degrees in five specialized sub-fields. In research, the Department supports the work of a large number of life science labs in work with both human and animal subjects, as well as an off-site Field Station.



Psychology is closely linked with several major research institutes/ORU's on campus: The Institute of Human Development, the Institute of Personality and Social Research, the Institute of Cognitive and Brain Sciences; and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, and works in collaboration with their administration to meet the needs of our faculty. The Department also collaborates closely with the department of Neuroscience, as many of our faculty have joint appointments and related research areas. Our outpatient clinic serves the surrounding community by providing vital psychiatric treatment.



In short, the Department of Psychology is a large and varied unit which requires considerable skill in terms of its overall administration.



Position Summary



The Staff Research Associate (SRA) will work under supervision and guidance of the principal investigator and direct lab supervisor to assist in experiments investigating mental health and cognitive functioning in mouse models. The SRA will assist with behavioral testing, histology, microscopy, data collection/analysis, and animal husbandry.



Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is:

12/16/2025.



Responsibilities



Conducts mouse behavioral studies to help determine the neurochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder.

Standard tests of affective behavior such as the open field and elevated plus maze tests and motivated behavior assays will be performed.

Behavior will be analyzed via software programs (e.g., Ethovision).

To examine the neural systems and circuits implicated in in bipolar disorder, and the efficacy of gene knockdown approaches, under supervision, perform immunohistochemistry and microscopic image analysis.

Data collected will also require archiving on a secure cloud in an organized fashion.

Under supervision of the PI and lab personnel, responsible for conducting standard laboratory enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays for hormones and cytokines.

Other assays will include Western blots for proteins and quantitative RT-PCR to quantify mRNA in samples.

Pays careful attention to detail and familiarity with standard laboratory techniques is essential.

To ensure that experiments can be conducted as planned, the incumbent will be responsible for cataloguing and maintaining supplies relevant to experiments and room/equipment reservations when needed.

Based on expertise and experience, the incumbent will assist in training undergraduate research assistants on histological and analytical approached in the lab.

Undergraduate assistants will also work with the incumbent to help with experiments when needed.

Required Qualifications



At least one year of experience in a wet lab research and familiarity with standard laboratory equipment and safety and operating principles.

Previous experience in mouse handling and behavioral investigation.

Background and coursework in biology, chemistry, physiology, or related fields.

Ability to handle fluctuating priorities and deadlines.

Must be highly organized, responsible, punctual, and have the ability to pay close attention to details.

Basic computer skills such as Microsoft Office.

Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

Bachelor's degree in biology, neuroscience, psychology, or related field and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications



Experience in conducting molecular/cellular biology experiments.

Strong statistical and coding skills.

Experience with software to quantify mouse behavior.

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 $27.85 (Step 1) - $33.22 (Step 9).



This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.