Staff Research Associate 1 (50%)

This position is in the UC Davis MIND Institute. The candidate will be expected to contribute to active and ongoing research programs in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions, including Fragile X syndrome and Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). The research focuses on the impact of CGG repeat expansions on the regulation and function of the FMR1 gene. Additional projects may include studies on autism spectrum disorder and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, with the goal of identifying early markers of risk prior to disease onset and investigating molecular changes during the prodromal phase when initial symptoms emerge.

Apply By Date 9/29/2025 by 11:59 PM

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• BS or equivalent degree in Genetic, Molecular Cellular Biology or equivalent work experience and/or training
• Experience in translational and human subjects research
• Familiarity with HIPAA-compliant handling of data for research purposes
• The successful candidate will have strong interest and knowledge in neurodevelopmental and neurodegeneration conditions
• Demonstrate strong analytical and critical thinking skills and organizational skills
• Proficiency in bioinformatics, data analysis and statistical software
• Ability to communicate research findings through writing, presentations, and verbal communication (excellent written and oral communication skills)
• Ability to work with scientific colleagues in multi-disciplinary projects
• Proficiency in the main molecular biology techniques (RNA, DNA, PCR, genotyping, blood spot screening)
• Strong skills in handling human tissues, in particular blood, brain and human cell lines
• Knowledge of gene expression analysis
• Proficiency in tissue culture methodologies

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of CLIA guidelines and approaches
• Experience in managing software development teams
• Knowledge of Fragile X syndrome and associated disabilities

Key Responsibilities

• 10% - Lab Management
• 10% - Maintenance
• 80% - Experimental work

Department Overview

The MIND Institute is a research and clinical center whose mission involves awareness, understanding, and treatment of the challenges associated with neurodevelopmental conditions. It is a matrix organization and encompasses over 250 faculty and staff from 14 academic departments, with an annual operating budget of approximately $4 million, contract awards totaling approximately $16 million, and gifts and endowments valued at approximately $14 million. The MIND Institute also houses 2 sponsored center grants: the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC - NIH), University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (CEDD - AUCD), 3 federally sponsored training grants: Developmental Behavioral Pediatric Fellowship Program (HRSA), Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND - HRSA), and a Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (HRSA).

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.52-$31.64
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 107
• UC Job Title: SRA 1
• UC Job Code: 009613
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 50% (Part Time)
• Shift (Work Schedule): 9:00 - 6:00
• Location: M.I.N.D. Institute Lab I (HSP026)
• Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• This is not a H-1B Visa opportunity

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

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

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks