Research Assistant: Molecular Cloning & Protein Science

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 65,800; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Junior Specialist / Assistant Specialist in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering to join the Shiyu Xia Lab. The position supports molecular cloning, protein expression, purification, and structural biology projects within the College of Chemistry.

This is a 100% time appointment at the Berkeley campus with anticipated start in Fall 2026, offering hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques and opportunities to contribute to manuscripts and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) program
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree)

Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular cloning, plasmid construction, and DNA assembly using PCR, Gibson assembly, restriction enzyme cloning, bacterial transformation, and sequence verification.
• Perform recombinant protein expression in Escherichia coli and mammalian cell lines through bacterial culture, transient transfection, and stable cell line generation.
• Purify proteins using affinity chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, and size-exclusion chromatography (FPLC), followed by biochemical characterization using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and analytical chromatography.
• Perform structural biology experiments, including protein crystallization, X-ray crystallography, negative-stain electron microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy sample preparation, image acquisition, and structural data analysis.
• Conduct mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and quantitative cellular assays to investigate protein function and signaling pathways.
• Design, execute, and analyze biochemical and biophysical assays to characterize protein-protein interactions, enzyme activity, and biomolecular assemblies.
• Analyze experimental data using appropriate computational and statistical methods, maintain detailed laboratory records, assist with laboratory organization and safety compliance, and contribute to manuscript preparation and presentation of research findings.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Junior Specialist / Assistant Specialist in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering to join the Shiyu Xia Lab. The position supports molecular cloning, protein expression, purification, and structural biology projects within the College of Chemistry.

This is a 100% time appointment at the Berkeley campus with anticipated start in Fall 2026, offering hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques and opportunities to contribute to manuscripts and