"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

Job location
Berkeley, CA