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JOB SUMMARY Under the direct supervision of the PI, this position supports research in the Upadhyay Laboratory investigating how gut bacterial metabolites regulate lung epithelial mitochondrial function during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Building on published work demonstrating that Bifidobacterium adolescentis-derived L-lactate increases mitochondrial activity in lung epithelial cells and correlates with ARDS severity (Upadhyay et al., bioRxiv 2025), the SRA 1 will perform bacterial and mammalian cell culture, biochemical assays, and sample preparation under direct supervision of the PI. Specific techniques will include anaerobic bacterial culture, lung epithelial cell culture, Seahorse XF respirometry, RNA/protein isolation, qPCR, and western blotting. Training will be provided for all specialized techniques. Experience with laboratory methods and molecular biology is required. Experience with laboratory methods, computer skills, and molecular and cell biology is required. DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.
% of time |
Essential Function (Yes/No) |
Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor) |
35 |
Yes |
Bacterial and mammalian cell culture: Maintain and passage lung epithelial cell lines (BEAS2B, NHBE); propagate Bifidobacterium adolescentis under anaerobic conditions; prepare conditioned media and metabolite fractions following written protocols under direct supervision. |
25 |
Yes |
Biochemical assays: Perform Seahorse XF respirometry, lactate quantification, ROS measurements, and ATP assays on lung epithelial cells following established protocols. Incumbent will receive training in all specialized assay platforms. Results reviewed with supervisor before interpretation. |
15 |
Yes |
Microscopy/Cell culture: Under the direction of the PI the individual will perform Molecular analysis: Under the direction of the PI, perform RNA/DNA/protein isolation, cDNA synthesis, qPCR, and western blotting. Assist with immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. All results reviewed with supervisor before interpretation. |
10 |
Yes |
Gnotobiotic mouse support: Assist with colonization procedures, tissue harvest, bronchoalveolar lavage, and sample processing under direct supervision of PI or senior lab member. Assist with mouse colony maintenance and genotyping. |
15 |
Yes |
Laboratory operations and data management: Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, manage supply inventory, place orders with PI approval, maintain equipment logs, and assist with compliance documentation. Manage data in Excel and GraphPad Prism. |
0 |
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100% |
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(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.) |
Required Qualifications:
- BA/BS in a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Demonstrates ability or academic experience with mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, RNA isolation).
- Academic knowledge in cell/molecular biology including familiarity with cell culture, RNA preparation, PCR, and western blotting. Experience with microbiology or bacterial culture is a plus.
- Working knowledge in Excel and Access data management programs
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- Excellent organizational, time management, administrative, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and multitasking
- Experience with laboratory methods, molecular and cell biology a plus.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Database design skills: especially experience with writing queries in Access, although any relational database experience will also be desirable.
- At least 1 year of working experience with applications in molecular and cell biology, and microscopy.
- Experience handling mice, including mouse colonies and genotyping.
Required Qualifications:
- BA/BS in a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Demonstrates ability or academic experience with mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, RNA isolation).
- Academic knowledge in cell/molecular biology including familiarity with cell culture, RNA preparation, PCR, and western blotting. Experience with microbiology or bacterial culture is a plus.
- Working knowledge in Excel and Access data management programs
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- Excellent organizational, time management, administrative, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and multitasking
- Experience with laboratory methods, molecular and cell biology a plus.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Database design skills: especially experience with writing queries in Access, although any relational database experience will also be desirable.
- At least 1 year of working experience with applications in molecular and cell biology, and microscopy.
- Experience handling mice, including mouse colonies and genotyping.
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University of California - San Francisco
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Apr 15, 2026