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Assistant Project Scientist - Genome Editing - QB3 Berkeley

Position overview

Position title: Assistant 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 estimate for this position is $76,700 - $89,000.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Winter 2026

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

Application Window
Open date: October 21, 2025

Next review date: Thursday, Nov 20, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Nov 20, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description

The California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences at UC Berkeley (QB3-Berkeley) seeks applications for an Assistant Project Scientist in the Doudna Lab, in the area of biochemistry and molecular biology of RNA-guided genome editing enzymes, with a focus on compact systems such as TnpB for biotechnology and therapeutic applications.

The Doudna Lab investigates the mechanisms of RNA-guided genome editing enzymes and develops novel compact editors, such as TnpB, for biotechnology and therapeutic applications. Our work combines biochemical, single-molecule, and bioinformatic approaches to understand enzyme function and engineer higher-efficiency genome editing systems. In addition, we apply comparative genomics and protein engineering to discover and optimize new RNA-guided enzymes with translational potential.

The project is a highly collaborative effort involving researchers at UC Berkeley and external partners. Within UC Berkeley, the successful candidate will have access to outstanding resources and collaborative opportunities across molecular and cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, computational biology, and genome engineering.

This position will support research on compact RNA-guided enzymes (TnpB) to define their mechanisms and engineer higher-efficiency genome editors for biotechnology and therapeutic applications. The Assistant Project Scientist will contribute in several key areas:

• Conduct biochemical, single-molecule experiments, and bioinformatic analysis to investigate the activity and mechanisms of RNA-guided nucleases


• Perform DNA/RNA manipulation, cloning, and protein engineering to generate optimized variants of TnpB and related enzymes


• Design and execute cell-based experiments to evaluate genome editing activity, efficiency, and specificity


• Manage and analyze experimental data, maintaining accurate and detailed laboratory records


• Prepare manuscripts, figures, and reports for publication and presentation


• Communicate findings through oral presentations, lab meetings, and scientific conferences


• Contribute to the preparation of research grant proposals and progress reports


• Mentor and provide guidance to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers

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

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
At least 3 years of post-PhD research experience

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with biochemical and single-molecule approaches to study RNA-guided nucleases


• Demonstrated expertise in TnpB and related CRISPR-associated nucleases, including mechanistic dissection and functional analysis


• Strong track record in molecular biology, protein and nucleic acid biochemistry, and genome editing technologies


• PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics or a related field


• Proven publication record in high-impact journals on RNA-guided genome editing enzymes


• Excellent writing and communication skills, including experience preparing manuscripts, proposals, and presentations


• Experience in protein engineering and directed evolution of nucleases


• Background in comparative genomics and evolutionary analysis of RNA-guided enzymes


• Familiarity with high-throughput genome editing assays


• Expertise in therapeutic applications of genome editing (e.g., delivery platforms, safety evaluation)


• Knowledge of translational biotechnology or therapeutic development pathways

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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


• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05127

Help contact: klucas@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/JPF05127