Lab Technician (9602C), QB3 Berkeley #86905

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 31,208 - 44,448; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Lab Technician to support research activities in the dynamic environment of QB3-Berkeley. This role requires strong organizational skills and experience in molecular biology, with responsibilities including preparing solutions and assisting in laboratory experiments.

Preferred qualifications include advanced expertise in biological techniques and excellent communication skills. This is a full-time, hourly position with benefits, set in Berkeley, California.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills are essential.
• Proven experience in molecular biology is required.
• Ability to handle nucleic acids, especially RNA, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reagents, media, and solutions for experiments as per protocols.
• Assist in setting up, running, and dismantling laboratory experiments.
• Process experimental data and prepare charts and results.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Demonstrated molecular biology experience

Experience with handling nucleic acids

Education

Graduation from high school or GED

Extensive previous wet laboratory experience

Three years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in sciences

Job description

Lab Technician (9602C), QB3 Berkeley 86905

Departmental Overview

The California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences at UC Berkeley (QB3-Berkeley) harnesses the quantitative sciences of physics and engineering to unify our understanding of biological systems at all levels of complexity, from atoms and molecules to cells, tissues, and entire living organisms. QB3-Berkeley scientists make discoveries that drive the development of technologies, products, and wholly new industries, ensuring that California remains competitive in the 21st century.

Position Summary

The Lab Technician assists with research under the guidance of a supervisor, providing support for research activities and carrying out independent experiments.

Application Review Date

First Review Date: June 30, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before that date.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and generating reagents, media, and solutions for biochemical and molecular biology assays following established protocols; modifying standard media and solution preparations as needed to support ongoing laboratory experiments.
• Assisting researchers and academic staff in setting up, running, and breaking down complex laboratory experiments; preparing specimens, equipment, and materials according to established procedures.
• Processing experimental data and preparing charts, graphs, and summary tables from experimental results.
• Organizing and storing laboratory equipment.
• Scheduling dates for experiments.

Required Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated molecular biology experience.
• Experience with handling nucleic acids, in particular RNA, is desirable.

Education / Training

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience with general and specific biological and biochemical techniques, methods for nucleic acid and protein preparation.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to keep a detailed record of experiments and results.

Education / Training

• Extensive previous wet laboratory experience.
• Three years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and two years of laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Salary & Benefits

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.46 (Step 1).

• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This recruitment has 3 openings.
• This is a visa opportunity.
• 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). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/tx/index.html.

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

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, 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.