Position Number: 41214517
Payroll Title: SRA 1 (009613)
Job Code: 009613
Job Open Date: 12/2/2025
Application Review Begins: 12/17/2025
Department Code (Name): PHYS (PHYSICS DEPT)
Percentage of Time: 100
Union Code (Name): RX - Research Support Professionals
Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS
Salary Grade: STEPS
Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.85 to $29.05/hour. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $27.85 to $33.22/hour.
Work Location: Broida Hall, Streichan Lab
Working Days and Hours: Mon-Fri; 8 hrs/day within 8am-5pm
Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits
Special Instructions:
For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.
Department Marketing Statement:
The Physics Department is widely regarded as one of the premier physics departments in the world. UCSB's Physics faculty include four Nobel Laureates, 16 memberships of the National Academies, and a host of award-winning faculty. UCSB's relatively small Physics Department is now ranked among the top 10 graduate programs in the Nation. The complexity of the Department is represented by the provision of a broad set of support services: administrative, student affairs, extramural grant administration, staff support for instructional lecture and laboratory courses, outreach activities, computing services, a machine shop that supports student and faculty research, and a storeroom and purchasing staff that serve many campus departments. To learn more about our department, visit: www.physics.ucsb.edu.
Benefits of Belonging
Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC
Brief Summary of Job Duties:
The Staff Research Associate (SRA) will play a crucial role in an ongoing research initiative within the UCSB Physics Department focused on quantitatively characterizing in-toto gene expression patterns in developing Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) embryos. This involves the preparation, imaging, and subsequent genetic characterization of these biological samples. Key activities include performing immunohistological staining, preparing samples for, and operating a custom-built lightsheet microscope to generate high-resolution, quantitative datasets of Drosophila embryogenesis. The SRA will also be responsible for molecular biology techniques such as Sanger sequencing, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and comprehensive genetic analysis, including sequencing read analysis, gene amplification, and restriction enzyme digestion, to genetically characterize the experimental lines. This position offers a significant opportunity to develop advanced laboratory skills in quantitative imaging, molecular genetics, and data acquisition/analysis.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Physics or biology and/or equivalent training/experience
1 year of experience utilizing basic computational skills including programming with Python, Matlab.
1 year of experience working in a scientific research laboratory.
1 year of experience using manual pipettes and manipulation of microscopy. instruments.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Solid skills in tissue culture, microscopy, and quantitative data analysis.
- Understanding of basic laboratory safety procedures
- Ability to learn and promote a sense of team camaraderie.
- Willingness to become proficient identifying early developmental stages of Drosophila embryogenesis
Special Conditions of Employment:
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 allegation 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
Job Functions and Percentages of Time:
- 45% Lightsheet Microscopy & Data Collection - Operate the custom microscope safely to capture large, high-quality image datasets of developing fly embryos. Manage and organize the collected imaging data
- 35% Genetics & Sequence Analysis - Analyze the DNA of the fly lines using advanced methods (like NGS) and basic methods (Sanger sequencing). Perform steps like DNA amplification and restriction enzyme cuts to confirm the genetics of the samples
- 15% Sample Prep & Staining - Prepare the fly embryos for imaging by accurately staging them (finding the right developmental moment) and applying immunostaining dyes to highlight the specific genes being studied.
- 5% Training & Lab Support - Focus on learning and improving skills in all lab areas, especially microscopy operation and quantitative data analysis. Maintain detailed lab records and assist with general organization.
UC Vaccination Programs Policy:
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.
As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy
*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.
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.
Reasonable Accommodations:
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University of California - Santa Barbara
Dec 02, 2025