Assistant/Associate Specialist – Transcription-Coupled DNA Repair and Genome Maintenance

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Berkeley seeks an Assistant/Associate Specialist in the Mevissen Lab to advance transcription-coupled DNA repair and genome maintenance research. The role employs biochemical, molecular biology, and Xenopus egg extract systems to explore how cells detect and repair transcription-blocking DNA damage.

The successful candidate will design and perform experiments, analyze results, maintain detailed records, and contribute to lab management while training junior

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree).
• Minimum of three years of research experience after completion of Bachelor's (or equivalent).
• Experience with mechanistic studies of DNA repair, transcription, DNA replication, protein-nucleic acid interactions, or related areas (preferred).
• Experience training or mentoring junior researchers in specialized lab techniques (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Design, perform, optimize, and troubleshoot biochemical or molecular biology experiments related to transcription-coupled DNA repair.
• Prepare and apply cell-free biochemical systems including Xenopus egg extract-based assays.
• Analyze results, maintain records, document protocols, and communicate findings in lab meetings and manuscripts.
• Support lab operations such as inventory management, safety documentation, and training of junior lab members.

Skills

Laboratory research

Data analysis

Communication of results

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Xenopus egg extract systems

Job description

Assistant/Associate Specialist – Transcription-Coupled DNA Repair and Genome Maintenance – Molecular and Cell Biology

Position title: Assistant/Associate Specialist
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 24b for the current salary scale(s) for this series. A reasonable full-time estimate for this position is $65,800–$78,300.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Early Spring Semester 2027
Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: September 8, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Oct 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant/Associate Specialist in the Mevissen Lab, in the area of transcription-coupled DNA repair and genome maintenance.

The Mevissen Lab studies the molecular mechanisms that coordinate transcription with DNA repair and genome maintenance. A major goal of the lab is to understand how cells detect DNA damage that interferes with transcription and how repair factors, RNA polymerase II, chromatin-associated proteins, and other factors cooperate to resolve these lesions.

The successful candidate will contribute to projects using biochemical, molecular biology, and cell-free experimental approaches, including Xenopus egg extract systems, to investigate transcription-coupled DNA repair and related genome maintenance pathways. The position will also include research-support responsibilities that directly support the lab's scientific goals.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the laboratory head, the Assistant/Associate Specialist will work closely with other members of the Mevissen Lab while providing independent input on the design, execution, optimization, and troubleshooting of experiments within the lab's research program. The position will focus on establishing and applying biochemical, molecular biology, and cell-free experimental approaches, including Xenopus egg extract-based systems, to study transcription-coupled DNA repair and related genome maintenance pathways.

The position will contribute to the lab's research program in several major ways: 1) designing, performing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biochemical and molecular biology experiments related to transcription-coupled DNA repair; 2) preparing, using, and helping establish cell-free biochemical systems, including Xenopus egg extract-based assays and related experimental workflows; 3) analyzing experimental results, maintaining detailed records, documenting protocols, and communicating findings through lab meetings, presentations, manuscripts, and other research outputs; and 4) supporting research operations that directly advance the lab's scientific goals, including laboratory organization, reagent and inventory management, safety/compliance documentation, and training junior lab members in specialized experimental techniques.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree)

Additional qualifications

A minimum of three years of research experience after completion of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree)

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biophysics, or a related field, with at least 3 years of hands‑on laboratory research experience
• Master's degree (or equivalent international degree) in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biophysics, or a related field, with at least 1 year of hands‑on laboratory research experience
• Experience with mechanistic studies of DNA repair, transcription, DNA replication, protein‑nucleic acid interactions, or related areas
• Experience with cell-free biochemical systems, biochemical reconstitution, or Xenopus egg extract systems
• Experience designing, performing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biochemical or molecular biology assays
• Experience analyzing, documenting, and communicating experimental results
• Demonstrated contributions to peer‑reviewed publications or other scientific outputs
• Experience training or mentoring junior researchers in specialized laboratory techniques
• Experience supporting research operations, such as laboratory organization, inventory management, safety/compliance documentation, or standard operating procedure development

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy APM 210 1-d. These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley 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, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affir... and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

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.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

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: Affertive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location: Berkeley, CA