Biomolecular Engineering: Research Specialist (Junior - Associate Rank)

The Genomics Institute at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a Research Specialist (Junior - Associate Specialist Rank). The Genomics Institute is an Organized Research Unit at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). It is located in the UCSC Westside Research Park and hosts genomics and electrical and computer engineering labs and interdisciplinary research.

Under the direction of Dr. Mohammed Mostaji Radji and Dr. Mircea Teodorescu, the Research Specialist will support and contribute to research aimed at using pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids to study neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric disorders.

The incumbent will:

• Culture, maintain, and differentiate mouse and human iPSC lines into cortical organoids and assembloid systems.
• Assist with electrophysiology experiments using high-density multielectrode array platforms.
• Perform standard molecular and cellular biology techniques including immunohistochemistry, tissue processing, and cryosectioning, PCR, RT-qPCR.
• Assist with sample preparation for single-cell RNA sequencing and other genomics workflows.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of all experiments and contribute to data organization and quality control.
• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to manuscript preparation, grant reports, and research presentations.
• Maintain organized and well-stocked laboratory spaces, including reagent inventory, supply ordering, and equipment maintenance.
• Coordinate with vendors and institutional cores to ensure timely procurement of materials.
• Follow compliance with biosafety protocols and institutional regulations.
• Other lab support operations as needed.

Applicants with the following areas of experience and skills are encouraged to apply:

• Familiarity with brain organoid or assembloid culture systems, experience with PCR and RT-qPCR, and general molecular biology skills;
• Experience with laboratory management, including supply ordering, equipment maintenance, and SOP development;
• Meticulous attention to detail in maintaining laboratory records;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team environment; and/or
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe and ethical laboratory.

Appointments will be made at the Junior Specialist, Assistant Specialist, or Associate Specialist rank depending on the candidate's education, qualifications, and years of research experience. For more information on the rank qualifications for the Specialist title series, please refer to CAPM 602.330 Specialist Series.

UCSC Genomics Institute Labs: https://genomics.ucsc.edu/affiliated-labs/

Biomolecular Engineering Department: https://engineering.ucsc.edu/departments/biomolecular-engineering/

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in Biology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a related field. Degree must be in hand at the time of the appointment (rather than at the time of application). It is expected that the degree requirements will be completed by December 14, 2026.
  
• Hands-on experience with mammalian tissue culture, including routine passaging, quality control, and cryopreservation.
• Experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques including immunohistochemistry and tissue processing.
• Experience with mouse or human iPSC culture, differentiation, and characterization.

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.

• "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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
  

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at jobaccommodations@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-4602.

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The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

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.

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