Associate/Full Specialist - BioEngineering

University of California-Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

The Guthrie lab in the Department of BioEngineering at UC Berkeley seeks an Associate Specialist/Full Specialist to advance research on diet-derived microbiota-dependent metabolites (MDMs). You will design and execute experiments using molecular biology, multi-omics, and mass spectrometry to characterize MDMs and study their effects in vivo and in vitro.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, analyze large omics data, and contribute to manuscript preparation and grant writing, while

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent international degree (required).
• PhD or MD (preferred) in related field.
• Strong time management and communication skills; ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in molecular biology, multi-omics, histology, and gnotobiotic animal studies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to identify and characterize MDMs using molecular biology, multi-omics, and mass spectrometry.
• Investigate physiological effects of MDMs using gnotobiotic animal models and in vitro systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, analyze large-scale omics data, and contribute to manuscript preparation and grant writing.
• Mentor junior lab members and participate in seminars and scientific discussions.

Skills

Time management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Research productivity

Laboratory techniques

Education

Master's degree or equivalent international degree

PhD or MD (preferred)

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Research Specialist

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table for the current salary scale for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $78,300 - $201,700

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: January 2027

Position duration: Two years with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: September 23, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Oct 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Oct 25, 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 Guthrie lab, in the Department of BioEngineering at the University of California, Berkeley, aims to decipher the basic biology, sources of heterogeneity, and opportunities to modulate diet-derived microbiota-dependent metabolites (MDMs) for beneficial host signaling. We use computational methods and mass spectrometry to quantify bacterial metabolites and molecular techniques to investigate their function in vitro and in vivo. We are seeking an Associate Specialist/Full Specialist to join our team and contribute to research on diet-derived microbiota-dependent metabolites (MDMs).

The successful candidate will design and execute experiments to identify and characterize MDMs, using molecular biology techniques, multi-omics approaches, and mass spectrometry. They will investigate the physiological effects of MDMs using gnotobiotic animal models and explore their roles in host health. The Specialist will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, analyze large-scale omics data, and contribute to manuscript preparation and grant writing. Additionally, they will mentor junior lab members and participate in scientific discussions and presentations. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic, innovative research environment.

Labor Contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent international degree

Preferred qualifications

• PhD (awarded within the last three years), MD, or both, in a field related to microbiology, computational biology, synthetic biology, or biomedical research.
• Record of academic achievements and research productivity, such as a track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent time management, effective communication skills, and the ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise in molecular biology, multi-omics, histology, tissue culture, and gnotobiotic animal studies is highly desirable.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

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.

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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
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Job location

Berkeley, CA