At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and 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 staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

At the Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, as part of a world-renowned university that embraces excellence and access, we foster an environment of trust and mutual respect, free expression and inquiry, and personal resilience and achievement. We demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. These principles serve us daily in our reasoning and actions and aid us in our decision making.

We educate an estimated 320 students annually. Our O.D. program is a 4 year program with clinical training provided at 2 campus clinics, numerous satellite clinics (community care), VA clinics, and external clinics across the country. Our one-year post-graduate residency programs provide advanced clinical education in specialty areas of optometry with placement on and off campus and our Vision Science program averages 40 PhD students.

The Optometry Clinic provides comprehensive optical care services to the entire Campus population and the general Bay Area community, with approximately 80,000 annual visits to Optometry Clinics at Minor Hall and the Tang Center. The Optometry Clinic is open 7 days per week.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: Thursday, May 23, 2024

Responsibilities

Histological Sectioning, Staining, and Microscopy and Image Analysis:

• Embedding and sectioning of retinal tissues using a cryostat.
• Perform fluorescence immunohistochemistry for localization of different proteins in retinal sections under supervision.
• Use biological microscopes (epifluorescence and confocal) to image immunohistochemistry experiments after receiving appropriate training.
• Use of Image J software to quantify fluorescent signals in immunostained retinas.

Animal Care:

• Day-to-day management of lab mouse colony including: setting up breeding pairs, checking pregnancies, weaning, general health checks, animal database management and collection of samples for genotyping, logging key husbandry events on lab calendar. Animal care is provided under the guidance and advisement of OLAC to ensure compliance with proper policies and procedures.
• General lab maintenance and organization.
• Lab inventory management using Quartzy.
• Lab book record scanning.
• Database updates for histological tissues, antibodies, etc.
• Shipping of research samples.

Procurement of Lab Supplies Using Campus Systems:

• Submission of lab orders using Bear BuyLab Purchasing.
• Ensuring adequate supplies of lab consumables.
• Purchasing and retrieval of items from campus research stores.

Required Qualifications

• Use of cryotome equipment.
• Knowledge and desire to work with rodents and keep colony records.
• Histology or pathology lab skills.
• Strong written and oral skills.
• Organization and teamwork skills.

Education/Training:

• BS in Biology, Biochemistry or Bioengineering and/or equivalent experience/training. In absence of a BS in a Biological Science, certificates of biological related disciplines and/or previous biological laboratory experience can substitute.
• 3+ years of laboratory training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in microscopy and mouse handling.

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 salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.75 (step 1.0) - $30.72 (step 9.0).

• This is a 50%, part-time (20 hours per week), career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
• This position is non-exempt and paid bi-weekly.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California 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, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.