Lab Assistant 1 (9605C) - #78807

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We are looking for 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. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

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Departmental Overview

The UC Berkeley Department of Integrative Biology studies biological phenomena at various levels of organization, ranging from molecules to organisms, populations, and ecosystems. As integrative biologists, we aspire to approach biological problems in a way that incorporates information across various levels of organismal organization. Much of our work is unified by evolutionary principles, in that all organisms share a history of descent with modification, inferred through their characteristics and mediated by natural selection.

Position Summary

Perform standard laboratory procedures, such as RNA/DNA extractions from written protocols. Maintain Madagascar field team database on github and perform monthly data curation and merges. Maintain record/ inventory of standard laboratory stock at UC Berkeley and at Madagascar field site. Order, pack, and prepare field supplies for transport to accompany lab researchers traveling to Madagascar field site. Support PI in interviewing/ training/onboarding new technicians for Madagascar field project. Support PI in organization and realization of annual R-modeling workshop for Malagasy students. Track spending for the lab and reconcile accounts, submit receipts, and support PI in accounting.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 06/20/2025.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard laboratory procedures, such as RNA/DNA extractions from written protocols.
• Maintain Madagascar field team database on github and perform monthly data curation and merges.
• Maintain record/inventory of standard laboratory stock at UC Berkeley and at Madagascar field site.
• Order, pack, and prepare field supplies for transport to accompany lab researchers traveling to Madagascar field site.
• Support PI in interviewing/onboarding/training new technicians for Madagascar field project.
• May include travel to Madagascar field site.
• Support PI in organization and realization of annual R-modeling workshop for Malagasy students (E2M2.org). Will include travel to Madagascar.
• Track spending for the lab and reconcile accounts, submit receipts, and support PI in accounting.

Required Qualifications

• Able to perform repetitive work while maintaining attention to detail and precision.
• Able to follow written protocols and perform basic laboratory measurements.
• Ability to communicate and follow instructions.
• Ability to navigate R, R-Studio, and Github.
• Ability to maintain accounts and clean records.
• Willingness to travel internationally to Madagascar.
• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and one year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Coursework in biological sciences or equivalent.
• Prior experience with Madagascar culture and/or language.
• Prior field research experience.

Salary & Benefits

This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) non-exempt career position, which is paid biweekly at an hourly rate and is eligible for UC 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 $19.72 (Step 1) - $22.82 (Step 5).

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 Technical Unit (TX) 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/tx/index.html

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• May include travel to Madagascar field site.

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.