Lab Assistant (9605C), Molecular and Cell Biology - #84897

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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 Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) and Integrative Biology (IB) together are among the largest academic departments at UC Berkeley. By several measures (including number of faculty and students, budget, and assigned square feet), these departments are larger than many UCB colleges and schools. The two departments represent over 186 faculty FTE (including Adjuncts, Professors of the Graduate School, active emeriti and 15 HHMI professors); 150 postdocs and other research positions; 375 graduate students; 80 department staff members; and 8 recharge centers. Financial resources include approximately $51M in annual extramural funding (which accounts for over half of the total sponsored research awards in the College of Letters & Science) and over $46M other fund sources. The department has 1,800 declared undergraduate majors (the largest majors on the Berkeley campus) and a total annual enrollment in classes of ~20,000. Department personnel are currently housed in seven buildings located in three widely separated parts of the campus.

Position Summary

Receives assignments from the LA III work leader. The facility is operated on a recharge basis and functions to support research by providing Fly Food, Media and temporary glassware washing services on an on-call basis to the research and teaching laboratories in MCB, Public Health, or QB3, when career Lab Assistants are sick or on vacation.

Guidelines: The Laboratory Helper uses standard operating protocols, manuals, reference books, and scientific literature as the principal source of technical information and follows guidelines established by the campus office of Environmental Health & Safety and works with supervisors to ensure the needs of the recharge facilities and labs are met.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 03/30/2026.

Responsibilities

• Plug and package fly food.
• Determining which types of closures to use with fly food.
• Package and assist with media orders.
• Temporary glassware washing services on an on-call basis.
• Determine which glassware should be autoclaved.
• Orders and Deliver Fly food.
• Determine which items to be purchased based of supplies on hand.
• Deliver Media orders.
• Determining addresses for delivery.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience washing and handling laboratory glassware.
• Previous experience using laboratory dishwashing and sterilization equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to move 30-lb containers.
• Basic fly food preparation knowledge.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety techniques and procedures, as well as chemical disposal guidelines.
• Ability to adhere to EH&S Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with students, faculty and staff, including individuals from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation and excellent customer service skills.
• Academic preparation or at least one year of equivalent experience working in a laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using laboratory chemicals.
• Completion of basic Biology courses plus lab course work.

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 hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.75 (Step 1) - $27.87 (Step 3)

• This is a part-time (20 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

How to Apply

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

Other Information

• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Technical Unit (TX) 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/tx/index.html
• 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.

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.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.