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Lab Assistant (9602C), Berkeley Public Health - Divisional Research & Centers - 64834

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and 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 staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

Berkeley Public Health (BPH) aims to improve population health, especially for the most vulnerable, through interdisciplinary collaborations, preeminent education, and transformational research. Established in 1943, BPH is a professional school on the UC Berkeley campus that comprises six academic divisions and nearly 30 research centers and programs. Our department's values include social justice, health as a right, challenging conventional thought, embracing diversity, and creating meaningful impact. We honor our principles of community by centering and valuing everyone in our community; prioritizing prevention while remaining grounded in social justice; promoting safety and respect; practicing self-care and kindness; and remaining optimistic, hopeful, and committed to change. Learn more at: publichealth.berkeley.edu.

The Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology Program intends to create opportunities for students to gain new and advanced knowledge about infectious disease agents and how they interact with host cells, human populations, and the environment. The goal is to improve public health by increasing our understanding of infectious diseases and human immunology through basic and translational research that contributes to developing new diagnostics, treatments, and methods to prevent or control diseases. The IDI Graduate Group is administratively managed by the School of Public Health at UCB.

Position Overview:

A laboratory assistant position is available in the Harris laboratory, which works on the virology, immunology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of dengue and Zika. Dengue virus is a major public health problem worldwide caused by a mosquito-borne RNA flavivirus. Zika is an emerging virus in the Americas with severe neurological sequelae in newborns. Clinical and epidemiological studies are conducted in collaboration with scientists in Nicaragua as long-term partners in a region endemic for Arbovirus. The main purpose of the position is to assist in scientific projects at various levels and perform experiments with mice under close supervision of the laboratory project manager and a postdoctoral fellow, respectively, and perform management, organizational and operational duties in support of general laboratory functioning such as procurement, inventories, compliance. The position also includes management of procurement and logistics of supplies for field studies internationally.

The position has a range of technical functions that requires working in coordination with other laboratory members and has an impact in the scientific progress of funded studies. This position includes high quality reagent preparation and involves working with dengue and Zika virus in cell culture and molecular virology as well as in animal models.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: February 28, 2024

Responsibilities

• Support research projects of lab members.
• Amplify and maintain viral stocks and cell lines.
• Purify antibodies from hybridomas.
• Perform protein production and purification.
• Maintain the Laboratory Sample Management System platform and support the organization of patient samples and information from collaborators around the world.
• Support lab organization, coordinate basic training for students and other technicians, and supervise inventory of lab supplies.
• Participate in workshops, trainings, and other professional development activities.
• Complete other duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• One or more years of research work experience.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Interest in working in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, energetic, and able to work in a diverse team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Biosafety regulations.
• One or more years of experience with basic laboratory techniques, such as sterile technique, tissue culture, BSL2 laboratory environment.
• Experience working with viruses.
• Experience handling valuable biological specimens.
• Computer and database management skills.
• Written and spoken Spanish.
• Some experience breeding/working with mice or willingness to do so.
• Ability to complete training through EH&S for BSL2 work and in shipping of dry ice and biological materials.

Education/Training:

• BS or BA in biological or health sciences and/or equivalent experience/training.

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 $24.65 (step 1.0) - $27.39 (step 3.5).

• This is a 18-month, 100%, full-time (40 hours per week), limited (temporary) position that is eligible for UC benefits.
• This position is non-exempt and paid bi-weekly.
• Article 31.B.3.c: "The automatic conversion to career status, as provided in Section B.2. above, will not occur when: The funding for the position is "one time" funding, of eighteen (18) months or less."

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.



To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=64834&PostingSeq=1