"Lab Manager (9602C) - Guthrie Lab, Bioengineering Department"

Departmental Overview

The Department of Bioengineering at The University of California, Berkeley, was founded in 1998, following on the success of the joint UC Berkeley - UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, established in 1983. The department serves as the administrative home for our Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Engineering (MEng) degrees, as well as the UC Berkeley administrative home of the joint Master of Translational Medicine (MTM) and PhD programs with UCSF.

The Guthrie lab investigates the principles that govern microbial metabolism and signaling in the context of kidney homeostasis and disease using mass spectrometry, chemoinformatics, and molecular biology approaches.

This position involves a combination of animal husbandry, equipment maintenance, facility oversight, and support responsibilities. The role requires excellent organizational skills, the ability to anticipate and resolve potential issues, and meticulous record-keeping. Opportunities to contribute to research publications, present at lab meetings, and participate in career development activities are available. The Lab Manager/Animal Care Assistant oversees the maintenance of a gnotobiotic mouse facility and provide comprehensive lab management and research support. This critical role is essential to the Guthrie Lab's success in advancing research with gnotobiotic mouse models. It offers significant opportunities for career development in a collaborative and dynamic scientific environment.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: March 13, 2026 - Open Until Filled

Responsibilities

50% Animal Husbandry

• Oversee and maintain gnotobiotic mouse colonies, including breeding, feeding, and health checks.
• Document and track animal census, new litters, and movement between cages and isolators.
• Ensure the accuracy of an electronic database for record-keeping.

25% Equipment and Lab Maintenance

• Build, modify, and sterilize gnotobiotic isolators and other equipment.
• Clean and maintain equipment and facilities to meet sterility and operational standards.
• Schedule and coordinate inspections, repairs, and warranty management for laboratory equipment.
• Develop and update standard operating protocols (SOPs).
• Train lab members on equipment use and sterilization procedures.

15% Lab Administration and Research Group Support

• Manage lab resources, including maintaining email lists, shared folders, and lab space maps.
• Assist with onboarding and offboarding lab members.
• Serve as the point of contact between researchers, building managers, and external stakeholders.
• Organize and oversee laboratory clean-ups.

10% Communication and Coordination

• Ensure timely communication of incidents among researchers.
• Maintain relationships with building management, department EH&S officers, and sales representatives.
• Manage lab email listservs and Slack channels for effective communication.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Strong organizational and scheduling skills.
• Basic mechanical skills for equipment assembly and maintenance.
• Understanding of sterilization principles.
• Some knowledge of basic mouse husbandry is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• 2-4-year degree in a biological science discipline.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.46 to $29.85 hourly; the full pay range for this title (LAB AST 3) is $27.46 to $32.67 hourly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Non-exempt and paid biweekly.