Microbiology Research Assistant

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Microbiology Research Assistant to support microbial enrichment, DNA extraction, and plant-microbe research in the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences division. The role offers hands-on experience with microbial culture, 16S-based identification, and data collection in a collaborative national lab setting.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or related field and experience with aseptic technique, PCR, and routine lab procedures

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry or related field.
• Basic knowledge to perform routine lab procedures under supervision.
• Ability to follow written protocols and step-by-step instructions.
• Ability to perform routine techniques such as media prep, culture/isolation, DNA extraction, PCR, microscopy.
• Familiarity with instruments like spectrophotometers, microscopes and PCR equipment.
• Ability to recognize deviations and report to supervisor.
• Ability to record and organize experimental data and notes.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and analysis.
• Clear communication and ability to work with a team.
• Commitment to safe, clean, organized lab workspace.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiology procedures including enrichment, isolation, cultivation, 16S-based identification, and phenotypic characterization of environmental microorganisms.
• Support plant research by monitoring growth and phenotype.
• Prepare growth media, chemical stocks, and other lab materials, and perform routine DNA extractions.
• Conduct routine laboratory assays and accurately collect, record, organize, and maintain data.
• Maintain microbial cultures, freezer stocks, and sample records and inventories.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks documenting procedures and results.
• Support a safe, clean, organized laboratory environment per established practices.
• Monitor supplies and assist with inventory management and ordering.

Skills

Microbiology procedures

DNA extraction

PCR

Aseptic technique

Data recording

Laboratory safety

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology or related field

Tools

Microscopes

Spectrophotometers

PCR instruments

DNA extraction kits

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Microbiology Research Assistant within the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences division.

This is an early-career Research Assistant to support laboratory research examining interactions among microorganisms, carbon compounds, and plants. The position offers hands‑on experience across microbial enrichment and isolation, molecular biology, microbial characterization, plant research, and experimental data collection while working alongside scientists in a collaborative national laboratory research environment. It could be an especially strong opportunity for someone early in their scientific career who wants to develop practical research skills in environmental microbiology and plant‑microbe science.

You will:

• Perform routine microbiology laboratory procedures, including microbial enrichment, isolation, cultivation, 16S‑based identification, and phenotypic characterization of environmental microorganisms using established protocols.

• Support plant research by performing routine experimental procedures and monitoring plant growth and phenotype.

• Prepare microbiological growth media, chemical stocks, and other laboratory materials, and perform routine DNA extractions.

• Conduct routine laboratory assays and accurately collect, record, organize, and maintain experimental data.

• Maintain microbial cultures, freezer stocks, and associated sample records and inventories.

• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks documenting experimental procedures and results.

• Support a safe, clean, organized, and productive laboratory environment in accordance with established laboratory practices.

• Monitor laboratory supplies and assist with inventory management, organization, and ordering.

We are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, chemistry, environmental science, or a related field preferred, or equivalent knowledge and experience.

• Rudimentary knowledge and skills in microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, or related biological sciences sufficient to perform routine laboratory procedures under direct supervision.

• Ability to follow written laboratory protocols, established procedures, and step‑by‑step instructions accurately and consistently.

• Ability to perform routine laboratory techniques such as media and chemical stock preparation, microbial culture or isolation, DNA extraction, PCR, microscopy, or related procedures, as applicable to the research assignment.

• Basic familiarity with laboratory instruments such as spectrophotometers, microscopes, PCR instruments, ion chromatography equipment, or similar analytical equipment, with the ability to operate equipment according to established procedures.

• Ability to recognize deviations from established procedures or expected results and bring them to the attention of the appropriate supervisor or research team member.

• Ability to collect, record, organize, and maintain experimental data and accurate laboratory records, including laboratory notebooks.

• Basic computer skills, including spreadsheets and software used for laboratory data entry, recordkeeping, or basic sequence analysis.

• Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with a supervisor and members of a research team.

• Ability to maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory workspace and follow established laboratory safety practices.

• Ability to recognize deviations from established laboratory procedures or expected results and bring them to the attention of the appropriate supervisor.

• Experience using aseptic technique.

• Experience culturing bacteria or other microorganisms.

• Experience with PCR and DNA extraction.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with microbial sequence analysis or 16S rRNA gene analysis.

• Experience maintaining microbial culture collections or freezer stocks.

• Experience working with plants in laboratory or controlled‑environment experiments.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by October 23, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type: This is a full‑time, 1 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.

• Salary range: The expected hourly range for this position is $25.65 - $31.49, depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.

• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K‑style plans

• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!

• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.

• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, .