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Staff Research Associate III - Neurology

University of California - Los Angeles Health
United States, California, Los Angeles
Apr 07, 2025
Description The Staff Research Associate III (SRA III) will be responsible for oversight of the lab and research.Using laboratory skills in molecular genetics/genomics, the SRAIII will undertake several research studies under supervision of the lab director/PI. The following tasks include but are not limited to: Conduct genetic family studies in multiplex, multigeneration families with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and linkage based whole exome sequencing of identical by descent (identical by epilepsy and EEG spike waves) family members in order to identify candidate epilepsy causing variants (mutations) of a putative epilepsy gene Screen for more variants of the putative epilepsy gene in 300 to 500 singletons and families with JME Vet the candidate variants of the putative epilepsy gene through the US National Human Genome Institute (NHGRI) and American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines to assign genetic implication and pathogenicity Generate a transgenic KO mice model of the putative epilepsy gene to determine if the epilepsy phenotypes of human JME are replicated Perform functional studies of the candidate epilepsy gene to assess if the candidate variants damage the normal functions of the putative epilepsy gene. Please note: This is a part-time 9-month limited position and may convert to career. Salary Range: $66431.27 - $106830.32/Annually Qualifications Required: Ability in designing research strategies, designing experiments, and establishing new laboratory procedures and protocols. Experience in managing general responsibilities such as ordering, maintenance of blood/DNA stored in -80 degrees freezer, and maintenance of general lab equipment. Ability to lead and teach students and postdoctoral fellows, processing data, interpreting results of western blotting, whole genome or whole exome sequencing. Training and experience in library making and data analysis of next generation sequencing as well as in different genotyping techniques, Sanger sequencing and other molecular, biochemical and cellular culture results. Ability to stay organized, perform independently, prioritize experiments, and manage/meet deadlines. 5 years of experience with production resulting in publications in high impact journals. Must have deep experience in human genetics and molecular genetics/genomics. Demonstrated ability in designing experiments and/or laboratory techniques. Demonstrated ability to establish new laboratory procedures and protocols successfully. Must have deep experience in HEK cell based or neuronal cell based in vitro studies assessing cell functions such as autophagy, lysosomal biogenesis, mTOR pathways and polyADP-ribosylation. Must have excellent working relationships with all levels of research personnel and members of the international consortium GENESS who are part of the JME cure initiative. Preferred: Bachelor of science in molecular biology or equivalent work experience. 5 years of experience and demonstrated skills in linkage-based whole exome or whole genome sequencing, screening for new variants of putative epilepsy genes, assessing pathogenicity of candidate variants through their allele frequencies, in silico analysis, and participating in generating transgenic mice models of human epilepsies like JME.