Student Assistant

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 71,000; Part time

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, CA is seeking two Student Assistants to support the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division. The role involves soil core analysis, DNA/RNA extraction, sample preparation, and meticulous lab record-keeping as part of the Watershed Function SFA and CHESS campaigns in Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

Successful candidates will handle data quality control, basic statistics, and explore AI tools for literature collection and synthesis while following safety

Qualifications

• Undergraduate student pursuing chemistry, biology, geosciences, or related field.
• Ability to follow established laboratory procedures and safety protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Some experience with data curation and analysis using R, Python, or other coding languages.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic laboratory procedures: pipetting, titrations, microscopy, centrifugation.
• Prepare chemical solutions, buffers, and reagents with accurate molarity and stoichiometry.
• Conduct soil texture and hydraulic parameter analysis including sieving and grinding soils.
• Use basic chemistry equipment such as spectrophotometers and pH meters.
• Perform DNA/RNA extraction from soil samples.
• Learn AI methods to organize and synthesize scientific literature.
• Maintain safety protocols and accurate inventories of samples and soil cores.
• Document laboratory data in notebooks and spreadsheets; ensure reproducibility.

Skills

Data analysis tools (R, Python)

Attention to detail

Communication & teamwork

Laboratory safety

Education

Undergraduate student in chemistry, biology, geosciences

Tools

AI tools for literature synthesis

Spectrophotometers & pH meters

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring two Student Assistants in the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division to support the Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area and CHESS campaign in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

Responsibilities include analyzing soil cores for geochemical and physical properties, extracting microbial DNA/RNA, sectioning and organizing samples, and maintaining accurate laboratory records and datasets. Students will also assist with data quality control, basic statistical analysis, and exploring AI tools for scientific literature collection and synthesis.

Prior laboratory experience in biology, chemistry, or geosciences is beneficial but not required. Successful candidates should be detail-oriented, organized, motivated, able to learn new protocols, and committed to laboratory safety. This position offers hands‑on research experience within an interdisciplinary team studying Earth and environmental systems.

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!

You will:

Perform basic laboratory procedures, including pipetting, titrations, microscopy, centrifugation.

Prepare chemical solutions, buffers, and reagents accurately, which requires a strong understanding of molarity, stoichiometry, and basic chemistry and biology.

Conduct soil texture and soil hydraulic parameter analysis including sieving and grinding soils.

Use basic chemistry equipment such as spectrophotometers, pH meters.

Perform molecular biologic techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction from soil

Learn AI methods to organize and synthesize scientific literature.

Maintain adherence to all safety protocols.

Maintain detailed and accurate inventories of all samples and soil cores.

Enter, organize, and document laboratory data, maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks and spreadsheets.

Contribute high quality datasets to team members for basic and advanced statistical and modeling analysis.

We are looking for:

Current undergraduate student pursuing coursework in chemistry, biology, the geosciences, or a related field.

Ability to follow established laboratory procedures, maintain accurate records, and learn new laboratory techniques.

Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures and emergency response procedures; to complete required training for handling hazardous materials, including biological, chemical, and environmental materials; and to use Safety Data Sheets and appropriate personal protective equipment.

Strong attention to detail to prevent cross-contamination and support the reproducibility of experiments/analyses.

Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Strong time management and organizational abilities.

Ability to collaborate effectively with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and scientists.

Desired skills/knowledge:

Undergraduate coursework and laboratory experience in chemistry, including organic and inorganic chemistry.

Undergraduate coursework and laboratory experience in biology, with microbiology and molecular biology preferred.

Some experience with data curation and analysis using R, Python, or other coding languages.

Additional information:

Application date: Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

Appointment type: This is a part-time, with a projected ending date of May 14, 2027, student assistant appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.

Salary range: The expected hourly range for this position is $19.61 - $51.69, 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 for student assistants: This position requires a candidate to hold permanent work authorization or current visa status in the United States at the time of hire. Visa status must be maintained independently of Berkeley Lab, as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for applicants without a bachelor's degree.

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, click here.