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Staff Research Associate II – Plant & Microbial Evolutionary Ecology (berkeley)
By admin | June 23, 2007
The University of California, Berkeley, is the preeminent public university in the country. The Department of Integrative Biology (IB) is an Instruction and Research unit within the College of Letters and Science. Integrative Biology offers 150 lower and upper division and graduate courses. The department’s teaching and research activities focus on both the integration and diversity of structure and function in and among living systems, encompassing a full spectrum of biological organization (i.e. from molecular to biosphere) for organisms ranging from viruses to plants and animals. The department has 34 regular faculty, 3 adjunct faculty, 15 emeriti faculty, 10-15 postdoctoral fellows, 120-130 graduate students, 32 administrative and technical support staff, and numerous visiting scholars, and researchers.
Research in the laboratory is focused on plant and microbial evolutionary ecology and genetics. Specific investigations draw upon a variety of empirical and theoretical methods to improve understanding of the evolution of traits involved in interactions with other species, including legume-rhizobium, plant-insect herbivore, fig-figwasp, plant-cyanobacteria, and plant-plant.
Responsibilities:
Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) and postdoctoral researcher with research on evolutionary ecology of the legume-rhizobium interaction
Manage a small laboratory with a few student assistants
- Spearhead laboratory organization and upkeep
- Maintain equipment and supplies records, order materials, parts & supplies
- Perform simple equipment repair and maintenance, oversee equipment repair and maintenance by outside vendors
- Produce and inventory stock solutions
- Function as laboratory safety officer, maintaining chemical inventory, performing laboratory self-inspections, and training students in basic laboratory safety
Assist with field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments with plants and bacteria
- Care for plants in research greenhouse and growth chambers
- Water, fertilize, repot, and propagate plants, apply experimental treatments
- Inoculate plants with bacteria
- Isolate, culture, and archive nitrogen-fixing bacteria
- Organize data sheets, collect data, and supervise students collecting data
- Manipulate DNA from plants and bacteria, including isolating DNA from plant tissues and bacterial cultures, amplifying DNA using PCR, and separating and visualizing DNA on agarose gels
- Prepare samples for PCR-based genotyping of plants and bacteria
- Provide simple analyses of molecular data
Process and manage data
- Enter and organize data
- Supervise undergraduate assistants in data entry
- Assist PI and postdoc in data manipulation and with basic statistical analyses using packaged software
- Prepare tabular and graphical information for reports and publications
Instruct student assistants and graduate students in basic laboratory operations and procedures
- Provide training on how to process samples, enter data, and how to conduct routine plant analyses
- Train lab members on the proper use of equipment, oversee laboratory safety, and organize work schedules of undergraduate assistants
General Assignments
- Discuss progress and data at weekly laboratory meeting
- Ensure that Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in the laboratory
- Consult the published literature for developing new techniques
- Perform library searches
Requirements:
Bachelors degree in Biology, or equivalent education and experience
Familiarity with basic molecular methods including DNA isolation, amplification, and gel electrophoresis
Knowledge of sterile technique and basic microbial methods
Previous experience maintaining plants in a research setting
Ability to make informed decisions that require consideration of various factors, which presupposes a basic understanding of plant and microbial genetics
Valid California drivers license and good driving record reflecting no more than one moving violation in the immediate 24-month period preceding the application date
The hourly salary range for this position is $17.49 – $22.20, commensurate with experience.
The University of California, Berkeley, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer a diverse working environment, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits. Apply online at: http://jobs.berkeley.edu indicating the job code 6498.
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