Lab Assistant (9603C)
About Berkeley
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Departmental Overview
Berkeley Public Health (BPH) aims to improve population health, especially for the most vulnerable, through interdisciplinary collaborations, preeminent education, and transformational research. Established in 1943, BPH is a professional school on the UC Berkeley campus that comprises six academic divisions and nearly 30 research centers and programs.
Our department's values include social justice, health as a right, challenging conventional thought, embracing diversity, and creating meaningful impact. We honor our principles of community by centering and valuing everyone in our community; prioritizing prevention while remaining grounded in social justice; promoting safety and respect; practicing self-care and kindness; and remaining optimistic, hopeful, and committed to change. Learn more at: publichealth.berkeley.edu.
The Wolf Lab's microbiome research encompasses two primary areas: bacterial metabolism of dietary components and microbiota-mediated protection against infectious diseases, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Shigella. This work integrates human microbiome data, laboratory models, and computational analyses to investigate the roles of diet, microbial competition, and host factors in shaping gut microbiome structure and function.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: May 20, 2026
Job Summary
This position will serve the research team of Dr. Ashley Wolf in the School of Public Health. Under the general supervision of the PI, the lab assistant will be part of a team conducting microbiome research. This job includes daily care of research animals in the germ-free/gnotobiotic facility as well as experimental protocols. The lab assistant will assist and interact with others to investigate the role of the gut microbiome in protection against infection, as well as other microbiome-related research questions. The lab assistant will be given detailed oral/written instructions and is expected to seek help/clarification from a senior staff member when problems arise and/or a task is not fully understood.
Custom Scope
- The position is responsible for providing daily care of research animals within a germ-free/gnotobiotic facility and supporting associated experimental protocols.
- Duties include maintaining flexible film isolators and supply cylinders, managing animal colonies, verifying sterility conditions, and performing routine cage cleaning, sanitation, and animal monitoring.
- The role also involves collecting experimental samples to support research activities.
- In addition, the position supports laboratory operations by purchasing equipment and reagents, assisting with general lab management, and training new personnel in proper mouse handling techniques.
Responsibilities
Laboratory Techniques (5%)
- Perform molecular biology techniques, including DNA isolation, PCR, and sequence library preparation.
Animal Care and Experimental Support (65%)
- Maintain germ-free mouse colonies and conduct related experiments.
- Provide daily care of research animals within the germ-free/gnotobiotic facility and execute experimental protocols.
- This includes maintenance of flexible film isolators and supply cylinders, colony management, verification of sterility, cage cleaning and sanitation, animal observation, and collection of experimental samples.
Bacterial Culture (5%)
- Culture and manage bacterial samples in accordance with laboratory protocols.
Laboratory Operations (10%)
- Support general laboratory operations, including purchasing equipment and reagents, inventory management, and overall lab organization.
Training (5%)
- Train new employees and trainees in laboratory procedures, including mouse handling and general lab practices.
Professional Development (5%)
- Participate in workshops, trainings, and other professional development activities; may participate in committees, projects, and other service activities.
Other (5%)
- Other duties, as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Strong problem solving skills.
- Thorough and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
- Excellent organizational, administrative and time management skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with team members.
- Demonstrated laboratory research experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience caring for laboratory animals.
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