Assistant Specialist - Neuroscience - Lammel Lab - Molecular & Cellular Biology

Position overview Position title: Assistant Specialist
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/t24-b.pdf. A reasonable estimate for this position is $61,300 - $68,300.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Fall/Winter 2024

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

Application Window
Open date: September 15, 2024

Next review date: Sunday, Sep 29, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Oct 15, 2024 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 Specialist in the Lammel Lab, in the area of neuroscience.

The Lammel Lab advances the understanding of neural circuits in neuropsychiatric disorders using cutting-edge techniques like optogenetics, electrophysiology, and viral tracing. Current treatments for these disorders are often unselective, affecting multiple neurotransmitter systems and causing severe side effects. Our research focuses on the diverse roles of dopamine in motivated behavior, learning, addiction, aversion, and depression. We also explore the neural circuit basis of depression, aiming to map brain regions involved in specific symptoms and understand their changes in depression-like states. This approach could lead to new, targeted treatments and personalized medicine for mental health disorders.

The Assistant Specialist will provide research support for our investigations into neural circuits underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. Responsibilities include researching dopamine's roles in motivated behavior, learning, addiction, aversion, and depression using advanced techniques like optogenetics, electrophysiology, and viral tracing. The candidate will process and analyze data from experiments, ensure quality control, and maintain project databases. They will assist in preparing grant reports, and organizing and facilitating project team meetings.

The Assistant Specialist will join the Lammel Lab, which focuses on the roles of dopamine in motivated behavior, learning, addiction, aversion, and depression. Our lab uses advanced techniques like optogenetics, electrophysiology, and viral tracing to map and test brain circuits. This position offers opportunities for professional development and engagement with the broader scientific community. The incumbent will contribute to our goal of developing targeted treatments for mental health disorders through their expertise and participation in our interdisciplinary research efforts.

The duties of the position include:

• Conducting research to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying motivated behavior, learning, addiction, aversion, and depression, utilizing advanced techniques such as optogenetics, electrophysiology, and viral tracing.
• Designing and executing experiments to explore the functional connectivity of brain circuits underlying motivated behavior.
• Rigorously analyzing and interpreting experimental data to identify novel findings and generate testable hypotheses.
• Contributing to the development and refinement of research protocols to optimize experimental outcomes and efficiency.
• Collaborating effectively with research team members to advance shared research goals and disseminate findings through scientific publications and presentations.
• Proactively managing research projects, including data management, resource allocation, and adherence to ethical guidelines.
• Staying abreast of current research developments in the field to inform research direction and experimental design.
• General lab management duties.
• Providing mentorship and guidance to junior research staff on experimental techniques and data analysis.
  
  This position provides full benefits.
  
  Lab: https://www.lammellab.org/
  
  Contract: https://uaw5810.org/ar-contract-2022/
  
  Qualifications
  Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
  Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent international degree)
  
  Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
  Master's degree (or equivalent international degree) OR Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international) degree plus 3 years of experience
  
  Preferred qualifications
• Master's degree in an area of molecular and cell biology such as biochemistry, genetics, or cell biology, or related field.
• Coursework in genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics.
• Computational analysis of datasets.
• Experience working in a research lab.
• Basic molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to design and interpret experiments.
• Ability to prepare figures for manuscripts.
• Demonstrated proficiency to work as part of a research team.
  
  Application Requirements
  
  Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Statement of Research (Optional)
  • 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
  
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
  Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04568
  
  Help contact: lammel@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.
  
  Job location
  Berkeley, CA
  
  
  To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04568