Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C), Molecular & Cell Biology - #89397

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Departmental Overview

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley is recognized nationally and internationally for excellence. The teaching and research activities of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) concern the molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms. The types of living organisms from which the departmental faculty draws its working materials range from viruses and microbes through plants, roundworms, annelids, arthropods, and mollusks to fish, amphibia, and mammals.

The Hockemeyer Lab work to establish reliable models of human diseases using genetically engineered human and stem cell and mouse models and functional genomics screening approaches. We are particularly interested in developing rigorous genetic approaches to study human disease, development and cell biology where conventional animal models or tissue culture systems do not adequately recapitulate human biology.

Position Summary

This Staff Research Associate 2 provides a variety of support and research functions within the lab for a 2-year project. This position assists lab members with molecular biology and tissue culture techniques, including the culture and maintenance of pluripotent stem cell cultures (hPSCs). The Staff Research Associate 2 supports a large-scale hPSCs genome engineering workflow involving genome editing, project tracking, and quality control. Additionally, this position works on various research projects involving the planning, design, and conduct of experiments under the supervision of the PI, while assisting with general lab operations, safety compliance, and supply management.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: October 23, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

Stem Cell Culture and Genome Engineering - 30%

• Cultures and maintains the pluripotent stem cell cultures (hPSCs) which includes the passaging of stem cell clones, isolation of genomic DNA and genotyping cells by PCR and sequencing. Support a large-scale hPSCs genome engineering workflow that involves genome editing, project tracking, quality control of reagents and materials, and report writing.

Molecular Biology and Tissue Culture Support - 25%

• Standard molecular biology and tissue culture techniques. Assists lab members with the maintenance and characterization of human stem cell cultures and genotyping of stem cells which entails the isolation of DNA from human stem cells, amplifying DNA by PCR and preparing samples for sequence analysis. This genotyping will require daily record keeping in laboratory notebook to record the samples analyzed and the attendance at weekly lab meetings to understand the basic objectives of the research project.

Research Project Support - 25%

• Assists with research projects including optimizing and testing tissue culture and molecular biology protocols such as molecular cloning, stem cell differentiation and library screening. This will be done with the guidance of the PI and other lab members.
• Plans and designs the experiments discussing the outline of the experiment/ protocol with the PI, conducting the experiments, analyzing results and interpreting data under the supervision of the PI. Troubleshoots experiments which include PCR and genotyping.

Safety and Protocol Compliance - 10%

• Assisting with protocol renewals and safety inspections.

Lab Support Operations - 10%

• Lab support duties including autoclaving waste and ordering and restocking supplies.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with sterile tissue culture techniques, PCR, basic lab maintenance duties, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, plasmid handling and molecular cloning.
• Experience with human pluripotent stem cell culturing, genome engineering with CRISPR, as well as the library prep and data analysis of next generation sequencing (NGS).
• Knowledge of lab safety procedures, capability to design and conduct experiments and analyze data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in the life sciences, preferably Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry. (Preferred)

Education / Training

• Bachelor's degree in the life sciences, preferably Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry.
• 1-year (cumulative) experience working in a biology research lab.

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 range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $68,413.33 - $90,270.74, Step 1 - 15.

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is an on-site position at the University of California, Berkeley.
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html
• This position has 2 openings.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Misconduct

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.