"Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C), California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences - 83906"

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences at UC Berkeley (QB3-Berkeley) supports work at the interface of the physical, biological, and engineering sciences. Our award-winning researchers make discoveries and technologies that improve the human condition and help fuel our local and global economies.

The California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences at UC Berkeley is home to world-class scientists and engineers who make fundamental discoveries and create new technologies and therapeutics at the interface of the physical and biological sciences.

QB3-Berkeley researchers have made many important contributions to the biomedical sciences and developed transformational technologies that fuel the bioeconomy. QB3-Berkeley faculty affiliate discoveries include the creation of:

• CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing
• Copper-free bioorthogonal 'click' chemistry
• Microbes that synthesize antimalarial medications

Position Summary

The ideal applicant will support the Merchant group. Duties include managing lab operations, acting as a primary point-of-contact for external stakeholders, and ensuring organization and continuity. The Merchant lab focuses on understanding photosynthesis and chloroplast biology and uses genomic tools to exploit green algae for biofuels and bioproducts applications.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 02/10/2026.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and order supplies of common chemicals and biochemicals, consumables, and HS disposal containers as needed.
• Track, pick-up, and distribute packages as they are received.
• Manage equipment service contracts and solicit quotes for new purchases, coordinate repairs and routine equipment maintenance.
• Orient new lab members to lab policies and procedures, university safety requirements, chemical and biological safety.
• Manage lab checkout for graduating/leaving members, ensuring that all samples are either disposed of or logged/stored appropriately before people leave the lab.
• Provide routine research support to laboratory members in the fields of protein purification and characterization, general biochemical and molecular biological techniques, and plant growth and biochemistry.
• Conduct research on algae, including application of methodologies for transformation of algae with various substrate utilization or resistance markers, colony purification, assessment of genotype and phenotype. (level of independence determined at PI's discretion).

Required Qualifications

• Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff verbally and in writing.
• Solid organizational skills and ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Working knowledge of and/or can quickly learn common organization-specific and other computer application programs.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet daily deadlines in a fast-paced laboratory setting.
• Experience with general laboratory techniques.
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Organized, responsible, with close attention to detail.
• Ability to keep and maintain good laboratory records.
• B.A or B.S in life science or related discipline and/or equivalent working and research experiences/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of lab experience and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Familiarity with experimental methods in lipid analysis.
• Experience with general biochemical and molecular biological techniques.
• Experience with algal culture and transformation.

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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $63,257.82 (Step 1) - $86,836.48 (Step 17).

This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.