Lab Manager (9602C) - AUTOLab #88675

University of California-Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

The Lab Assistant role at the University of California, Berkeley, AUTOLab, supports a robotics research environment led by Professor Ken Goldberg. The lab houses multiple robot arms and a range of equipment, and the assistant ensures safety, organization, and access to IT and electrical infrastructure.

Responsibilities include supervising experiments, coordinating repairs, setting up new workstations, assisting with 3D printing fabrication, and advising students on research tasks, with emphasis

Qualifications

• Expertise with robot arms and similar machinery (coursework/experience).
• Knowledge of CAD design fundamentals and 3D printing.
• Skills in organizing tools and equipment.
• Ability to read and operate software systems for robotics.
• Ability to read and interpret robot manuals.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lab organization and safety; greet visitors.
• Supervise robot experiments and data recording; order cables; organize tools.
• Coordinate repair of robot arm with vendor; set up workstations and displays.
• Troubleshoot lab network problems; assist in designing new devices for robot experiments.
• Advise students on their research.
• Assist in design and 3D printing fabrication of hardware components.

Skills

Robot arms experience

CAD design

3D printing

Tool organization

Software systems knowledge

Reading robot manuals

Tools

CAD software

3D printing equipment

Job description

Location Main Campus-Berkeley

Full Time

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The AUTOLab, led by Professor Ken Goldberg, is a world-renowned center for research in robot manipulation: autolab.berkeley.edu. The lab supports a vibrant research group consisting of approximately 4 postdoctoral scholars, 8 Ph.D. students, and up to 25 extremely motivated undergrads, all with GPA>3.8.

Although Professor Goldberg's home department is Industrial Engineering & Operations Research (IEOR), he has a joint appointment in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) Department and almost all of his students are in EECS. The lab is home to 8-10 robot arms and a variety of experimental setups, tools and computer workstations.

The Lab Assistant is responsible for maintaining lab safety and organization, coordinating IT and electrical infrastructure, and providing specialized assistance in robotics through device design, 3D printing fabrication, and experiment assistance.

This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: September 24, 2026

Responsibilities

• Maintain Lab organization, greet visitors, and ensure the lab is safe and secure.
• Supervise robot experiments and record data. Research and order new electrical extension cables that meet fire regulations. Organize tools in cabinets and toolboxes.
• Coordinate the repair of a broken robot arm with the vendor. Connect digital cameras to computers and calibrate using online instructions. Set up new computer workstations with displays and keyboards.
• Troubleshoot computer network problems. Assists in designing new devices for robot experiments.
• Advise students on research.
• Assist in design and 3D printing fabrication of hardware such as mounting brackets, robot gripper jaws, and robot assembly examples.

Required Qualifications

• Expertise (coursework and work experience) with robot arms and similar machinery.
• Knowledge of the fundamental principles of CAD design and 3D printing
• Skills in design and maintenance of organization for tools and equipment.
• Scientific background to get trained, understand and operate software systems.
• Scientific background to read and interpret robot manuals.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $28.83 to $31.34 hourly. This is a full time (100% Variable FTE) career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Non-exempt and paid biweekly.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Technical Unit (TX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE).

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct Disclosure

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 allegations 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

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.