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Assistant/Associate Project Scientist - Cellular Biology - Molecular & Cell Biology

Position overview

Position title: Assistant/Associate Project Scientist
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t37-b.pdf A reasonable full-time salary estimate for this position is $76,700 - $93,300.

Percent time: 50% with adjustment subject to project needs.

Anticipated start: Winter 2026

Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window
Open date: December 16, 2025

Next review date: Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Molecular & Cell Biology Department at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a Assistant or Associate Project Scientist in the Harland Lab in the area of developmental biology.

The theme of the current project is to understand the specific functions of the Plekhg family of Rho GTPases in gastrulation of the frog Xenopus. The lab has several projects ongoing, including a late-stage project focused on Plekhg3, where we have found it has an important role regulating cell stiffness during gastrulation. We also found tantalizing evidence for Plekhg7 being important in brain and eye development. In both cases we find that context, the location and timing of expression, is key to Rho GTPase regulation.

Responsibilities:

The candidate will carry out high quality live imaging of embryos during gastrulation or neurulation, fluorescent imaging of cell movements, and quantification of signal through time. The candidate will use laser ablation to quantify cellular properties. Importantly, preparing mRNA, CRISPR, or plasmid reagents, and their injection to influence or track development, is essential to almost all project questions. The mentorship of undergraduate students is encouraged, so leading a team to achieve project goals is expected. This position will contribute to manuscript and grant preparation.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD or equivalent international degree

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
At least two years post-PhD research experience.

Preferred qualifications

• PhD in biology or subfield, with preference given to those with demonstrated expertise in developmental biology.
• Experience studying Xenopus morphogenesis, molecular biology, gene expression, or small GTPase regulators is strongly encouraged.
• Expertise with methods such as live confocal imaging, mRNA-seq, in situ hybridization, CRISPR screens, protein biochemistry, and RNA biology, and laser ablation is desirable.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals.
• Experience working with and mentoring undergraduate students.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research.

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05210

Help contact: harland@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley 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, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Berkeley, CA


To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05210