Research Specialist: Cloning & Protein Engineering

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

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley is seeking a research-focused candidate to join the Shiyu Xia Lab in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. The role includes molecular cloning, protein expression in bacterial and mammalian systems, and protein purification to support structural biology studies.

The successful applicant will perform X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and experiments to elucidate protein structures and biological mechanisms, while contributing to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or enrolled in a Bachelor's program.
• Prior research experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, protein engineering, synthetic biology, or bioengineering preferred.
• Experience with standard laboratory techniques including molecular cloning, protein purification, mammalian cell culture, microscopy, or related methods.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular cloning, plasmid construction, and DNA assembly.
• Perform recombinant protein expression in E. coli and mammalian cell lines.
• Purify proteins using affinity, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography with analytical characterization.
• Carry out structural biology experiments including X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy.
• Conduct mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and cellular assays.
• Design, execute, and analyze biochemical and biophysical assays for protein interactions and activities.
• Maintain detailed records and contribute to manuscript preparation and presentations.

Skills

Molecular cloning

Protein purification

Mammalian cell culture

Microscopy

PCR

Biochemistry

Cell biology

Protein engineering

Synthetic biology

Bioengineering

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

University of California, Berkeley is seeking a research-focused candidate to join the Shiyu Xia Lab in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. The role includes molecular cloning, protein expression in bacterial and mammalian systems, and protein purification to support structural biology studies.

The successful applicant will perform X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and experiments to elucidate protein structures and biological mechanisms, while contributing to