Refer a Friend or Colleague

Assistant Researcher - genomic editing - Nayak Lab - Molecular and Cell Biology

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Researcher
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/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t13-b.pdf. A reasonable estimate for this position is $90,200-$106,600

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: January 2025

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

Application Window
Open date: July 24, 2024

Next review date: Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Aug 23, 2024 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 Cellular Biology at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant Researcher in the Nayak Lab.

The Nayak lab is seeking a highly motivated research scientist to develop an independent research program focused on anaerobic methane metabolism in archaea. Specific goals will be to use established CRISPR editing tools to conduct genetic studies in Methanosarcina spp., develop genome editing tools for newly isolated methanogens. The incumbent is expected to collaborate with labs across campus and beyond for their research.

This position will develop and use genome editing tools to study the physiology of methanogenic archaea. The incumbent will use their broad expertise in anaerobic microbiology, microbial physiology, archaeal genetics, ecology and evolution to address questions about archaeal methane metabolism at the intersection of these disciplines. The incumbent will be expected to spend 80% of their time on research, 10% of their time managing anaerobic equipment in the lab and 10% of their time training graduate students and postdoctoral fellows on anaerobic techniques.

This position provides full benefits.

Lab: https://www.dnayaklab.com/

Contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/contract/

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

Preferred qualifications

• PhD or equivalent international degree in Chemical, Biological Engineering, Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology, Systems Biology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology.


• Four years of Postdoc research experience.


• Expertise in cultivation of novel methanogenic archaea and developing genetic tools for non-model methanogens.


• Experience publishing multiple articles and/or patents.


• Experience collaborating with labs in a wide variety of areas.


• Experience in anaerobic microbiology cultivation techniques.


• Experience in using genome editing tools to engineer methanogenic archaea.


• Experience with next-generation sequencing.


• Experience with bioinformatic analysis of next-generation sequencing data.


• Experience mentoring undergraduate/graduate students, and/or technicians.


• Experience with professional speaking engagements.


• Ability to effectively communicate, participate in efficient and open collaboration, and enjoy engaging with a diverse group of researchers.


• The ideal candidate will be innovative and able to synergize various ideas and approaches, while exercising sound judgment to evaluate and take acceptable risks.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.


• Cover Letter (Optional)


• Statement of Research (Optional)


• Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion if hired at Berkeley. More Information and guidelines.
  (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04528

Help contact: dnayak@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.

Please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action 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.

Job location
Berkeley, CA


To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04528