Assistant Project Scientist Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response, Stress, and Aging - Dillin Lab Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

Position overview Position title: Assistant Project Scientist
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this
position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t37-b.pdf. A reasonable estimate for this position is $74,100 - $85,900.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Winter 2024

Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of
funding.

Application Window
Open date: January 3, 2025

Next review date: Saturday, Jan 18, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Feb 3, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant Project Scientist in the Dillin Lab, in the areas of mitochondrial unfolded protein response, stress, and aging.

The Dillin Lab studies stress signaling and aging paradigms in C. elegans, tissue culture and mouse models. We are dissecting the signaling pathways between organelles, cells, tissues and organisms that contribute to stress resistance and aging phenotypes. We are looking to develop assays for stress and aging biology related to starvation and pharmacological induction of various stress response pathways.

The Assistant Project Scientist will develop assays focused on understanding how the mitochondrial unfolded protein response contributes to upregulation of specific stress responses and how these stress responses are communicated within a cell and extracellularly.

Key objectives include the development of new methods for studying the role of the extracellular matrix on activating the UPR MT , testing pharmacological interventions on disease and aging models, and developing new models using C. elegans genetics. Another objective is to study age-related disorders associated with defects in these signaling pathways. Other key questions involve the role intracellular organellar stress communication. Building on this we are aiming to develop theory on organelles communicating stress to each other, resulting in organismal alterations in stress resistance.

The incumbent will participate in background research, the analysis and interpretation of results; will prepare written and oral summary reports [internal and external]. The incumbent will also help to mentor and advise a group of graduate students and undergraduate students. Mentoring includes showing them how to do experiments in the lab, how to give presentations, how to apply for grants and fellowships, and providing career advice, and more. The incumbent will attend and actively support scientific seminars, workshops, working team meetings and other venues for presentations of results and will develop and maintain collaborative research relationships; will pursue publication of research in peer-reviewed journals; and may pursue additional funding opportunities consistent with existing and future research programs and goals.

This position reports to Andrew Dillin, Professor. The department is interested in candidates who will contribute to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

This position provides full benefits.

Lab: https://www.dillinlab-berkeley.org/

Contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/ra/contract.html

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD (or equivalent international degree)

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Publication record in peer-reviewed journals

Preferred qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Neurology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Immunology, or Biochemistry
• Experience with aging biology, particularly the role of the extracellular matrix on the response to stress that activates the UPR MT.
• Experience working with C. elegans, mouse and human genetics
• Experience with small molecule drug discovery
• Experience publishing lead author primary research in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience collaborating with other scientists
• Experience with advanced imaging techniques for biological samples
• Experience with analyzing cell dynamics data using confocal microscopy and time-lapse imaging
• Track record of excellence in mentoring junior scientists
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, participate in efficient and open collaboration, and enjoy engaging with a diverse group of researchers
• Self-motivated, interactive, and meticulous approach to tasks and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Innovative and able to synergize various ideas and approaches, while exercising sound judgment to evaluate and take acceptable risks
• The ideal candidate is able to develop and troubleshoot new theoretical ideas and is enthusiastic about pursuing exciting and fundamental evolutionary theoretical questions.
  
  Application Requirements
  
  Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Statement of Research
  • Statement on Contributions to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging - Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in research, teaching, and service, including information about your record of activities to date, and plans for contributing if hired at UC Berkeley. More Information and guidelines.
    (Optional)
  
  
  Reference requirements
  
  • 2-5 required (contact information only)
  Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04713
  
  Help contact: larry.joe@berkeley.edu
  
  About UC Berkeley
  
  UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).
  
  The University of California, Berkeley 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, age, or protected veteran status.
  
  Please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.
  
  In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
  
  As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
  
  As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
  
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
  
  
  Job location
  Berkeley, CA
  
  
  To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04713