Technician/Lab Manager (9613C), Molecular & Cell Biology - #88974

University of California-Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ingolia laboratory at UC Berkeley is seeking a technician to support functional genomics and RNA biology research. The role involves about 80% research time and 20% lab management, contributing to ongoing projects using standard molecular biology and genomics approaches.

We value motivated applicants with basic wet-lab experience, strong organization, and a willingness to learn new techniques under mentorship. This is a full-time, on-site position on the Berkeley campus.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of laboratory experience.
• Familiarity with modern molecular biology and biochemistry techniques as described in job duties.
• Ability to work standing at the lab bench for extended periods.
• Motivation and willingness to learn new techniques and skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's of Science in Biology or related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine molecular biology laboratory work under supervision: prepare and validate DNA expression constructs by common molecular biology techniques such as PCR, restriction digest and electrophoresis.
• Measure gene expression and regulation by RNA isolation and qPCR and by flow cytometry.
• Perform routine cell culture laboratory work under supervision: maintain cell lines and expand cultures for molecular biology and biochemistry experiments.
• Introduce gene expression constructs into budding yeast and mammalian cells.
• Perform routine biochemical laboratory work such as SDS-PAGE and Western blotting under supervision.
• Manage lab operations: maintain inventory, order supplies, and unpack received items.
• Evaluate and select alternative options for laboratory consumables based on feedback from laboratory members.
• Support lab operations by monitoring common buffers and solutions and prepare them as needed.
• Coordinate maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment by scheduling visits for service technicians and providing them access to the laboratory.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Molecular biology techniques

Biochemistry techniques

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's of Science in Biology or related field

Job description

Apply for Job

Job ID: 88974

Location: Main Campus-Berkeley

Full/Part Time: Full Time

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.

At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.

Learn more about some of our accomplishments at Points of Pride.

Departmental Overview

The Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) and Integrative Biology (IB) together are among the largest academic departments at UC Berkeley. By several measures (including number of faculty and students, budget, and assigned square feet), these departments are larger than many UCB colleges and schools. The two departments represent over 186 faculty FTE (including Adjuncts, Professors of the Graduate School, active emeriti and 15 HHMI professors); 150 postdocs and other research positions; 375 graduate students; 80 department staff members; and 8 recharge centers. Financial resources include approximately $51M in annual extramural funding (which accounts for over half of the total sponsored research awards in the College of Letters & Science) and over $46M other fund sources. The department has 1,800 declared undergraduate majors (the largest majors on the Berkeley campus) and a total annual enrollment in classes of ~20,000. Department personnel are currently housed in seven buildings located in three widely separated parts of the campus.

Position Summary

The Ingolia laboratory in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley is searching for a technician to support research projects in functional genomics and RNA biology. The position will involve about 80% research time and 20% lab management time. The individual will contribute to ongoing scientific projects in the lab using a range of experimental approaches in molecular biology and genomics. We are looking for engaged and motivated individuals who are familiar with some common techniques and want to gain further research experience under the guidance of current lab members. The individual will also assist in lab organization and operations and maintain inventories of shared consumables.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is October 2, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine molecular biology laboratory work under supervision: prepare and validate DNA expression constructs by common molecular biology techniques such as PCR, restriction digest and electrophoresis.
• Measure gene expression and regulation by RNA isolation and qPCR and by flow cytometry.
• Perform routine cell culture laboratory work under supervision: maintain cell lines and expand cultures for molecular biology and biochemistry experiments.
• Introduce gene expression constructs into budding yeast and mammalian cells.
• Perform routine biochemical laboratory work such as SDS-PAGE and Western blotting under supervision.
• Manage lab operations: maintain inventory, order supplies, and unpack received items.
• Evaluate and select alternative options for laboratory consumables based on feedback from laboratory members.
• Support lab operations by monitoring common buffers and solutions and prepare them as needed.
• Coordinate maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment by scheduling visits for service technicians and providing them access to the laboratory.

Required Qualifications

• At least 1 year of laboratory experience.
• Familiarity with modern molecular biology and biochemistry techniques as described in job duties.
• Ability to work standing at the lab bench for extended periods of time.
• Motivation and willingness to learn new techniques and skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's of Science in Biology or in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $30.12 (Step 1) - $32.82 (Step 5).

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

Other Information

• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

'Misconduct' means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.