Lab Research Assistant (9612C), Plant & Microbial Biology - #88708 University of California Berkeley - 4.2 Berkeley, CA Job Details Temporary | Full-time $68,413.33 - $69,825.18 a year 11 hours ago Qualifications Biology research Full Job Description Lab Research Assistant (9612C), Plant & Microbial Biology - #88708 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 Department of Plant & Microbial Biology is committed to the University of Californias mission of dedicated research and to providing a superior education in plant biology, microbiology, and related life sciences. We integrate fast-changing technology and developments into our research and develop collaborative partnerships with other scientists and research institutions at UC Berkeley and around the world. Position Summary In this position, the Laboratory Research Assistant supports the Seed Lab in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at UC Berkeley, which investigates the interactions between phages and Vibrio cholerae. The Laboratory Research Assistant carries out the isolation and sequencing of phages and V. cholerae, including screening samples by PCR and extracting DNA for next-generation sequencing. This position performs phenotypic assays to assess phage infectivity and utilizes molecular genetics to engineer phages and V. cholerae mutants. Additionally, the Laboratory Research Assistant maintains lab organization, manages consumable and reagent inventories, handles ordering, and ensures accurate documentation of experimental results. Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is: September 22, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date. Responsibilities Isolate and purify phages and Vibrio cholerae, Isolate genomic DNA from phages and Vibrio cholerae for whole genome sequencing Perform PCR to screen for phages and Vibrio cholerae Maintain a well-organized collection of phages and Vibrio cholerae from samples, including electronic records Perform phenotypic assays to evaluate phage infectivity and susceptibility of V. cholerae to phage infection Construct bacterial and phage mutants Maintenance of laboratory consumable and reagent inventories Ordering for the lab operations Participate in lab meetings to keep abreast of current research projects and support needs Present summary of findings verbally at lab meetings and in written format if findings are gauged to be appropriate for publication Required Qualifications Research experience in microbiology or molecular biology and a strong understanding of the underlying scientific principles Ability to work both independently and as a team member Ability to maintain an organized record of experiments Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form Preferred Qualifications Prior research experience in bacterial genetics Proficiency in data management Education / Training Bachelors degree in the life sciences or related discipline (and/or equivalent education and experience) (Preferred) 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 annual range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $68,413.33 - $69,825.18, Step 1 - 2. This is an exempt, monthly-paid position. This is an 18-month, full-time, Limited [temporary] position that is eligible for UC benefits.