🚀 Staff Research Associate 1 (9613C) - #81640

Overview

Staff Research Associate 1 (9613C) - 81640

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. We seek applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. We encourage you to consider our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, learning is a fundamental part of working, and we provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups. Our goal is for everyone on campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential, including providing full-time staff with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year for professional development. Find out how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Integrative Biology studies the evolution of life from molecular, functional, and ecological perspectives. Researchers work on organisms from across the tree of life, in the laboratory, field, and museums.

Position Summary

Work collaboratively with Dr. Moises Exposito Alonso to support research projects in plant evolutionary ecology, genetics and synthetic biology. The position will have opportunities to contribute to diverse projects, including running the plant facilities and wet laboratory tasks such as orders, organizing projects, plant care in greenhouse and outdoor field conditions, conduct gene cloning, phenotyping, and plant transformation. Manage lab safety programs to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Use software applications to assemble, manipulate, format and/or perform statistical analyses of complex data in collaboration with computational biologists in the lab.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 10/20/2025.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled technical procedures such as DNA extractions using bead-based protocols, gene construct design and cloning using Green Gate or Golden Gate technology, Illumina next generation sequencing DNA library preparation protocols, PacBio long-read extraction and DNA preparation protocol.
• Operate complex scientific instrumentation. Run programs of DNA spectrometers to measure DNA concentration, run liquid handling programs and protocols for DNA extraction, cleanup, and library preparation.
• Analyze data, formulate conclusions, and create appropriate statistical presentations, including graphs and charts, and prepare and present written or oral progress reports regarding studies.
• Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of data.
• May use specialized software applications to assemble, manipulate, format and/or perform statistical analyses of data.
• Assist with laboratory equipment maintenance.
• May participate in performing inventories of materials and ordering supplies.
• Conduct literature reviews to assist in determining the most suitable methods to be used in research. Collaborate with other lab members on experimental design, creation of appropriate methods and protocols, and development of new laboratory techniques.
• Actively contribute to laboratory meetings and planning sessions.
• Maintain plants and/or bacterial and tissue cultures for experimental purposes.
• May demonstrate and explain various laboratory techniques to laboratory personnel, students, and others.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of laboratory protocols and techniques.
• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a variety of populations.
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, work independently, use good judgment, and monitor completion of assigned duties.
• Ability to operate complex scientific equipment.
• Fully understands role in the work unit and in related units; understands how the job supports achievement of the organization's goals.
• Bachelors of Science in an appropriate field 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 factors such as 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 $26.52 (Step 1) - $31.64 (Step 9).

• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

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 is applicable to this role.

This is not a visa opportunity.

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.