Staff Research Associate II

The Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA currently has an opening for SRA II to join the Laboratory of Dr. X. William Yang. The Yang Lab (http://yanglab.npih.ucla.edu/) applies cutting-edge mouse genetics, systems biology and BRAIN Initiative neurotechnology to study the pathogenesis and therapeutics of neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease (HD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

The SRA II position will serve an important role in a diverse and dynamic research team for a project of large-scale in vivo modifier study for HD in mouse models. The project will employ germline mutant and viral perturbation approaches to study disease mechanisms and providing in vivo endpoints for therapeutic testing. This role will provide oversight to pivotal aspects of laboratory's research operations related to HD including, but not limited to, colony management, sample collection and preparation, behavior study, AAV generation and injection, and data analysis.

Pay Range: $28.88 - $46.46 hourly

• A bachelor's degree or higher degrees is required in one of the following fields: molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology, molecular genetics, or molecular neuroscience.
• Minimum 3+ years of research experience. Preferred candidate should have a strong background in neuroscience, molecular genetics, or molecular biology. Successful applicant should demonstrate technical proficiency in a rich set of molecular, cellular, pathological and animal research techniques. Key such techniques may include: (i). working with mouse models (e.g. colony management, histopathology; quantitative imaging and analysis) (ii). culture cell lines and/or primary cells; (iii). production and use of viruses in cell or animal-based studies; (iv). molecular cloning in bacterial to generate constructs for gene expression in cell lines, primary cells, or rodent models. (v). DNA, RNA, and protein preparations from rodent models for quantitative molecular analyses.
• Highly motivated individual with a positive attitude and strong commitment to collaborative research.
• Demonstrated ability in designing experiments and/or data analyses.
• Demonstrates strong collaboration skills in a team science environment, working effectively with all lab members and the PI.
• Experienced in providing supervision and instruction to junior research staff.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new laboratory techniques and implement new protocols and procedures.
• Prior publication record in aforementioned relevant fields is required.
• Effective oral and written communication skills are strongly preferred.