Lab Research Assistant (9612C), Plant & Microbial Biology - #88708

University of California; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 763,000 - 779,000; Full time

Job summary

The Laboratory Research Assistant in the Plant & Microbial Biology Department at University of California, Berkeley, supports the Seed Lab studying phage-Vibrio cholerae interactions. You will isolate phages and V.

cholerae, perform PCR screening, extract DNA for whole-genome sequencing, and engineer phage and bacterial mutants. Responsibilities include maintaining organized inventories, documenting results, and presenting findings at lab meetings.

Qualifications

• Experience in microbiology or molecular biology fundamentals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong record-keeping and data organization skills.
• Effective oral and written communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Isolate and purify phages and Vibrio cholerae; prepare genomic DNA for sequencing.
• Perform PCR to screen phages and V. cholerae samples.
• Maintain organized lab inventories and electronic records.
• Conduct phenotypic assays to assess phage infectivity.
• Construct bacterial and phage mutants; assist with sequencing and data analysis.
• Support ordering and supply management for lab operations.
• Present findings at lab meetings and contribute to publication-ready reports.

Skills

Microbiology knowledge

Molecular biology

Independent work

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Tools

PCR techniques

DNA extraction

Next-generation sequencing

Job description

Lab Research Assistant (9612C), Plant & Microbial Biology - #88708

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 makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.

At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth . We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

The Department of Plant & Microbial Biology is committed to the University of Californias mission of dedicated research and to providing a superior education in plant biology, microbiology, and related life sciences.

We integrate fast-changing technology and developments into our research and develop collaborative partnerships with other scientists and research institutions at UC Berkeley and around the world.

Position Summary

In this position, the Laboratory Research Assistant supports the Seed Lab in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at UC Berkeley, which investigates the interactions between phages and Vibrio cholerae. The Laboratory Research Assistant carries out the isolation and sequencing of phages and V. cholerae, including screening samples by PCR and extracting DNA for next-generation sequencing. This position performs phenotypic assays to assess phage infectivity and utilizes molecular genetics to engineer phages and V. cholerae mutants. Additionally, the Laboratory Research Assistant maintains lab organization, manages consumable and reagent inventories, handles ordering, and ensures accurate documentation of experimental results.

Responsibilities

• Isolate and purify phages and Vibrio cholerae, Isolate genomic DNA from phages and Vibrio cholerae for whole genome sequencing
• Perform PCR to screen for phages and Vibrio cholerae
• Maintain a well-organized collection of phages and Vibrio cholerae from samples, including electronic records
• Perform phenotypic assays to evaluate phage infectivity and susceptibility of V. cholerae to phage infection
• Construct bacterial and phage mutants
• Maintenance of laboratory consumable and reagent inventories
• Ordering for the lab operations
• Participate in lab meetings to keep abreast of current research projects and support needs
• Present summary of findings verbally at lab meetings and in written format if findings are gauged to be appropriate for publication

Required Qualifications

• Research experience in microbiology or molecular biology and a strong understanding of the underlying scientific principles
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member
• Ability to maintain an organized record of experiments
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research experience in bacterial genetics
• Proficiency in data management

Education / Training

• Bachelors degree in the life sciences or related discipline (and/or equivalent education and experience) (Preferred)

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 annual range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $68,413.33 - $69,825.18, Step 1 - 2.

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is an 18-month, full-time, Limited [temporary] position that is eligible for UC benefits.

Other Information

• 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.
• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html . The automatic conversion to career status, as provided in Section B.2. above, will not occur when: b. The position into which the employee is hired is not an “ongoing” position, in that the position is established and funded for less than a year at any percent of time.
  

Misconduct

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:

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.