Lab Research Technician (9612C), Molecular & Cell Biology - #89104

University of California; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley seeks a Lab Research Technician in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology to support choanoflagellate biology research. Responsibilities span cell culture, microscopy, flow cytometry, molecular biology, media prep, and lab operations under the King Lab.

The role emphasizes hands-on research support, day-to-day lab administration, and collaboration with diverse researchers. Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• One or more years of related laboratory and administrative support experience.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory techniques, including sterile techniques and basic molecular biology (e.g., PCR).
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively with a diverse research community.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to learn new software applications and laboratory techniques.
• Ability to keep accurate and thorough records of work performed.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Research Support - Assist Scientists with cell culture (sterile technique), microscopy, flow cytometry (FACS), and standard molecular biology procedures (PCR, cloning).
• Laboratory Maintenance and Technical Support - Help maintain choanoflagellate cell lines, coordinate shipments of laboratory strains to collaborators, and prepare media and stock solutions.
• Inventory Management - Maintain inventories of consumables and reagents, including antibody, plasmids, and cryogenic Dewar records
• Safety Compliance - Coordinate with safety offices to ensure regulatory compliance; manage amendments and renewals for lab permits and protocols; act as a liaison between the lab and UC Berkeley administrative offices
• Laboratory Engagement - Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and planning sessions

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Documentation & record-keeping

Team collaboration

Learning new software & techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology

Job description

Lab Research Technician (9612C), Molecular & Cell Biology - #89104

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 Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley is recognized nationally and internationally for excellence. The teaching and research activities of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) concern the molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms.

The types of living organisms from which the departmental faculty draws its working materials range from viruses and microbes through plants, roundworms, annelids, arthropods, and mollusks to fish, amphibia, and mammals.

Position Summary

In this position, the Lab Research Technician supports the scientific and operational activities of a research laboratory studying choanoflagellate biology. This position contributes to active research projects through cell culture, microscopy, flow cytometry, molecular biology, media preparation, and the maintenance of laboratory strains. The Lab Research Technician provides technical and operational support to laboratory staff in the King Lab, managing both hands-on research support and day-to-day lab operations and administration.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: October 12, 2026.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Research Support - 20%

• Assist Scientists with cell culture (sterile technique), microscopy, flow cytometry (FACS), and standard molecular biology procedures (PCR, cloning, etc.). Evaluates unexpected changes in choanoflagellate culture growth, morphology, contamination status, or viability by reviewing culture history, media preparation, incubation conditions, sterile technique, and recent handling. Implements routine corrective actions within established procedures, such as preparing fresh media or restarting cultures from backup stocks when appropriate. Documents observations and consults with the PI or senior researchers when culture issues may affect ongoing experiments.

Laboratory Maintenance and Technical Support - 20%

• Help maintain choanoflagellate cell lines, coordinate shipments of laboratory strains to collaborators, and prepare media and stock solutions. Investigates unexpected results from microscopy, flow cytometry, PCR, cloning, and other standard experimental procedures by evaluating sample preparation, reagent quality, instrument settings, controls, and protocol deviations. Makes routine adjustments, repeats or optimizes established procedures within approved parameters, and communicates potential technical causes, errors, and next steps to researchers.

Inventory Management - 30%

• Maintain inventories of consumables and reagents, including antibody, plasmids, and cryogenic Dewar records

Safety Compliance - 10%

• Coordinate with safety offices to ensure regulatory compliance; manage amendments and renewals for lab permits and protocols
• Act as a liaison between the lab and UC Berkeley administrative offices (procurement, MTAs, staff transitions)
• Process and track reimbursements

Laboratory Engagement - 5%

• Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and planning sessions

Required Qualifications

• One or more years of related laboratory and administrative support experience
• Familiarity with standard laboratory techniques, including sterile techniques and basic molecular biology (e.g., PCR)
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively with a diverse research community
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to learn new software applications and laboratory techniques
• Ability to keep accurate and thorough records of work performed

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated initiative and self-motivation in developing new skills and expanding knowledge.
• Familiarity with choanoflagellate cell culture and biology
• Experience with genome editing in non-model organisms

Education / Training

• Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field and/or equivalent experience.

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 salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $68,413.33 - $110,053.97, Step 1 - 25.

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position 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.

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.