Seeking manager of confocal/2p facility, UC Berkeley Stem Cell Center

[Sanjay Kumar]

NOTE: All applications for this position MUST be made through http://jobs.berkeley.edu 
(Job ID #9994).  This abbreviated posting is for informational purposes only, and does
not replace the official job description at http://jobs.berkeley.edu.

The Berkeley Stem Cell Center bridges interdisciplinary research in biology, engineering,
and medicine among research groups at UC Berkeley, Children’s Hospital Oakland
Research Institute, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.  A new Shared
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Facility is opening and will enable investigators from the
Center to culture and investigate numerous human embryonic stem cell lines.  Under the
overall direction of Prof. David Schaffer, co-director of the Center, the FACILITY
MANAGER will (a) coordinate and manage the operations of the Berkeley Shared Human
Embryonic Stem Cell Facility to foster a productive research environment, (b) teach
facility users complex principles of fluorescence imaging, and (c) perform, as time
permits, independent research in stem cell biology and engineering.  Ideal candidates will
have intimate knowledge of confocal fluorescence microscopy, as well as stem cell
culture approaches and high content imaging.

Responsibilities:
Laboratory and Equipment Management:  Culture human embryonic stem cells,
maintenance of banked cell lines, care for analytical equipment valued at ~$1M, including
multiphoton fluorescence microscope, flow cytometer, and automated high throughput cell
imager.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:
-Culture, bank, and document human pluripotent stem cell lines, as well as oversee the
distribution of cells to the Berkeley Stem Cell Center community on and off campus.
-Maintain common cell cultures to “seed” investigator experiments to thereby shorten
time between frozen vials to experiments for the slow growing stem cells.
-Perform scheduled analysis of stem cell pluripotency and genomic stability and develop a
database to document these results.
-Maintain valuable equipment in pristine operating condition.
-Write the annual progress report of the shared research facility according to the
guidelines of the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine.
-Develop novel reagents to support stem and progenitor cell growth/differentiation.
-Work to establish recharge structure for the use of 3 major pieces of equipment.
-Assess and forecast annual scientific instrument and administrative equipment needs,
identify appropriate resources, provide cost estimates and justifications for needed
equipment, and proceed with the acquisition process upon approval.  
-Maintain lab stocks and supplies.

Training in Equipment Usage and Stem Cell Culture:  Train users on the safe, effective,
and efficient usage of the facility and its valuable equipment.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:
-Supervise and train student, fellow, and visiting scientists in techniques, protocols, and
procedures of the laboratory.
-Organize and streamline the user application process.
-Manage user time of cell culture hoods and imagers, maintaining accurate records.
-Maintain sterile and clean environment, troubleshoot contamination problems, and care
for cell culture equipment.
-Train users in principles of cellular imaging and equipment usage, insuring safe and
effective operation of laboratory equipment.

Stem Cell Research:

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

-Investigate, design, and implement new or improved materials, and procedures for
experiments.
-Conduct independent research on the role of the cellular microenvironment on stem cell
function.
-Conduct live cell fluorescence imaging to analyze stem cell responses to soluble and
solid phase components of the microenvironment.
-Use Praire Ultima visible and multiphoton confocoal fluorescence microscopy system to
examine protein localization, dynamics, and interactions of living stem cells in real time.
-Perform comparative studies of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell
behavior.

Laboratory safety: Serve as a lab safety coordinator.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:
-Assist with developing a Biosafety plan describing safe practices for all users (personal
protection, waste disposal, and equipment sanitation).
-Ensure the annual renewal of facility biohazard use protocols, including routine
independent communication with the campus Biosafety Officer.
-Ensure all Principal Investigators have support of the Berkeley Stem Cell Research
Oversight Committee to work with human stem cells or deriving human stem cell lines
-Ensure all users are on their principal investigator’s group protocols and have attended
the course “Biosafety for Human, Animal and Plant Pathogens.”
-Maintain laboratory environmental health and safety compliance and activities, including
chemical waste and biological waste disposal.
Required Qualifications
- BS or MS in biology or bioengineering, or a related field, is required.

- Prior experience in biological laboratory experimentation.

- Must be able to work well indedependently and as part of a research team, to interact
effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students, and to demonstrate
flexibility, initiative, and good judgement.

- Ability to take initiative; excellent interpersonal skills and ingenuity.

- Good organizational, time management , and problem solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with computers and basic word processing and spreadsheet software.
Salary & Benefits
Hiring salary range (annual): $41,820 (minimum) - $43,512 (midpoint);
Most offers will not exceed the midpoint of the salary range.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit:

http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/forms_pubs/misc/benefits_of_belonging.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer.