Molecular Biology Lab Technician: Cell Culture & Imaging

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

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.