Research Assistant in Ecology

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)

Division: Climate and Ecosystem Science Division, Molecular Ecology and Biogeochemistry Department

Location: 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California

Employment Type: Part-time (30 hours per week)

Appointment Type: 1-year term (possibility of extension or conversion)

Position Overview

The Climate and Ecosystem Science Division, within the Molecular Ecology and Biogeochemistry Department at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), has an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant.

Under the direct supervision of the project lead, the Research Assistant will perform routine laboratory techniques to support projects focused on developing methods to enrich microbial communities capable of degrading recalcitrant carbon under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions using microwell plates and column systems.

The successful candidate will assist in experiments exploring carbon generation and utilization, monitor microbial growth, perform metabolite assays, and apply DNA-based tools to identify microbial communities and isolates.

What You Will Do

• Perform laboratory techniques to grow diverse environmental microbes in relevant environmental media.
• Process microbial samples for DNA and metabolite analysis.
• Assist in developing metabolic assays and preparing chemical stocks.
• Monitor microbial growth and the depletion of carbon and other metabolites.
• Record and share experimental data with the supervisor via shared systems.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks.
• Uphold laboratory safety and cleanliness standards.

What Is Required

• Basic knowledge of working with soil- and sediment-derived microbial strains.
• Familiarity with microbial phenotypic and metabolite assays.
• Rudimentary understanding of anaerobic and aerobic methods for monitoring microbial growth and metabolism.
• Demonstrated persistence, attention to detail, and effective communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or equivalent experience.
• General experience in enrichment of soil and sediment microbes.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and basic statistical analysis.

Employment Details

• Work Schedule: Part-time, 30 hours per week.
• Appointment Term: 1 year, with potential for extension or conversion to a career appointment based on performance and funding.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary Range: $22.40 – $32.58 per hour.
• Targeted Pay Range: $25.00 – $26.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Work Location: On-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA.
• Background Check: Required. Convictions are evaluated in relation to job responsibilities; disclosure does not automatically disqualify an applicant.
• Access Requirements: A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab facilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a University of California institution. The Lab’s Stewardship Values—Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect—guide our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under state or federal law.

Additional Information

• Learn more about working at Berkeley Lab: careers.lbl.gov
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, finalists must disclose any administrative or judicial findings of misconduct within the past seven years, ongoing investigations, or instances of leaving a position during an active investigation.

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