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Associate Specialist - Algal Genomics - IQBBB

Position overview

Position title: Associate Specialist; 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 full-time salary estimate for this position is $75,600 - $98,900.

Percent time: 100

Anticipated start: November 2025 to January 2026

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

Application Window
Open date: October 15, 2025

Next review date: Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Nov 14, 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 QB3 Berkeley, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, Department at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for two Associate Specialist in the Merchant Group, in the area of Algal Genomics.

The Merchant group uses comparative genomics to understand conserved and unique mechanisms in algae that confer phenotypic resilience to environmental stress. One goal is to introduce such mechanisms into algae that do not have these mechanisms. Another goal is to use the algal gene expression machinery to produce useful bioproducts.

The project is a highly collaborative effort consisting of a team of researchers located at UC Berkeley, LBNL and Colorado School of Mines. Within UC Berkeley, the successful candidates will have access to multiple departments, including molecular and cell biology and plant and microbial biology.

The position will contribute in three major ways 1) algal strain maintenance by regular propagation and cryopreservation, 2) microscopy on campus and at LBNL, 3) making DNA constructs, transformation of algal cells, colony purification, genotyping, phenotypic analysis for physiology, photosynthetic parameters, and gene expression at RNA and protein level, 4) immunoblotting and protein characterization, 5) spectroscopy

The position will keep detailed records of experiments performed, conclusions made, and communication of results orally and through lab notebook records, contributing to manuscripts and patent applications, presentation at group meetings and team meetings.

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Associate Specialist
Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree and at least five (5) years of professional experience
OR
Master's degree or equivalent international degree and at least three (3) years of professional experience

Specialist
Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree and at least ten (10) years of professional experience
OR
Master's degree or equivalent international degree and at least eight (8) years of professional experience
OR
PhD or equivalent international degree and at least two (2) years of professional experience.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, RNA/DNA isolation, transformation of bacteria)


• Experience with algal laboratory cultivation with sterile technique.


• Experience with algal transformation and genome manipulation


• Experience with lab scale bioreactor operation


• Experience with gas chromatograph operation and fatty acid analysis


• Experience with record keeping, good laboratory practice and intellectual property


• Completion of Masters' degree (MS )

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. This should include publication list (peer reviewed or patents)


• Cover Letter


• Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, and presentations.

Reference requirements

• 2-4 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05141

Help contact: sthsharpe@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.

• "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/JPF05141