HIV Genomics, Staff Research Associate (9613C) - #80709

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Departmental Overview

IB at UC Berkeley is a broad biology department with a name that reflects the belief that the study of biological systems is best approached by incorporating many perspectives. We bring together a diversity of disciplines that complement one another to unravel the complexity of biology. We incorporate the physical sciences and engineering, and the social sciences, as appropriate, to problems we are addressing. We work with animals, plants and other organisms and our research spans the levels of the biological hierarchy from molecules to ecosystems.

Position Summary

The Brook lab seeks a Staff Research Associate (SRA) to aid in the acquisition and analysis of HIV genomic data from population studies at our field site in Madagascar. The position will involve traveling to Madagascar and performing RNA extraction, qPCR, and amplicon sequencing of HIV from samples collected from clinical surveillance, in addition to extensive phylogenetic analysis of these samples using programs such as BEAST, RAxML, and/or iQTree. In addition, the position will be responsible for analyzing HV serological data amassed from Luminex-based serology of serum eluted from dry blood spots collected in southeastern Madagascar. All tasks will be performed under close supervision and instruction from the PI.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 09/05/2025.

Responsibilities

• RNA extraction, qPCR, and amplicon sequencing of samples collected from people living with HIV (PLHIV) in a Madagascar molecular lab.
• Assembly of HIV genomes from sequencing data and submission to GenBank and the Los Alamos sequence database.
• Computational analysis of resulting HIV sequences in BEAST, iQtree and RAxML, including ancestral state reconstruction of localities of most recent common ancestor for specific monophyletic clades and quantification of the rate of HIV transmission from HIV sequence clusters identified through time.
• Field support on a new public health study to collect new samples from PLHIV in northern Madagascar.
• Analysis of pre-existing Luminex serological data reporting some HIV+ samples, collected from a cross-sectional general population sample in southeastern Madagascar.

Required Qualifications

• Laboratory experience in RNA extraction, qPCR, and genomic sequencing.
• Experience assembling genomes from raw NGS data.
• Experience with phylodynamic analysis in BEAST, RAxML, IQtree, or similar software.
• Proficiency in French language.
• Prior field experience in Madagascar.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework in public health, epidemiology, or equivalent.
• Prior experience implementing public health studies in the field.
• Prior experience in analysis serological data.
• Some knowledge of Malagasy language.

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 hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.52 (Step 1) - $28.26 (Step 4).

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

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

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This position will include traveling to Madagascar.
• This position is eligible for up to 50% remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 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.

"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. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.