Junior/Assistant Specialist - Computational Biology - Staller Lab - Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
Position overview
Position title: Junior/Assistant Specialist
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/t24-b.pdf. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000-$67,000.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Fall/Winter 2025
Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.
Application Window
Open date: July 25, 2025
Next review date: Friday, Aug 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Monday, Aug 25, 2025 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 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a Junior/Assistant Specialist in the Staller Lab, in the area of computational analysis of protein sequence data. The project includes studies of protein sequence evolution, comparison of machine learning models, and exploratory data analysis.
The Staller lab resides in the division of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development (GGED) in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology. Max Staller is a member of Center for Computational Biology (CCB) and a Chan Zuckerberg BioHub - San Francisco Investigator. The lab takes a genomics approach to biochemistry to study transcription factor function. Our work combines experiments, theory, computational modeling, simulations, machine learning, and evolutionary comparison. We work on yeast, human, and plant transcription factors. Opportunities for experimental training, computational training, and career development will be available.
This position will support the design and execution of experiments, including data management, data analysis, manuscript preparation, presenting research, contributing to grant proposals, and mentoring undergraduate students. The work will have a focus on molecular biology techniques including DNA isolation, PCR, Illumina sequencing library preparation, human tissue culture, yeast cell culture, and computational analysis of the resulting data. Emphasis is placed on the design of rational mutagenesis libraries to test mechanistic hypotheses about transcriptional activation. The position will be focused on computational work. Additional responsibilities include managing lab ordering, mentoring undergraduate lab helpers, and overseeing ordering of media.
This position provides full benefits.
Lab: https://www.stallerlab.com/
Contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/contract/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrollment in a Bachelor's (or equivalent international degree) program
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree)
Preferred qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an area of molecular and cell biology such as biochemistry, genetics or cell biology, data science, computational biology, or related field.
- Python coding experience.
- Upper division course in genetics is strongly preferred.
- Coursework in molecular biology and biochemistry.
- Proficiency in bioinformatics.
- Computational analysis of datasets.
- Experience working in a research lab.
- Basic molecular biology techniques.
- Ability to prepare figures for manuscripts.
- Demonstrated proficiency to work as part of a research team.
- Ability to develop and troubleshoot new methodologies.
- Enthusiastic about pursuing exciting and fundamental biological questions.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Research
Reference requirements
- 2-4 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05010
Help contact: mstaller@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.
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.
Job location
Berkeley, CA
To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05010
