Refer a Friend or Colleague

Staff Research Associate 2 (9612U) - Earth & Planetary Science

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

The Department of Earth & Planetary Science, within the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Division of the College of Letters and Science is one of the top ranked programs in the USA with 6 major specializations and several interdisciplinary programs in atmospheric science, climate, environmental geoscience, marine geophysics and planetary science. It has links to programs in the Departments of Chemistry, Astronomy, Geography and Environmental Science and Policy Management. The department consists of 40 faculty, including adjuncts and emeritus, approximately 60 graduate and 150 undergraduate majors, 30 post-docs and visitors, several researchers and 9 staff FTE. Research, education and service in EPS is driven by a fundamental human curiosity about the past, present and future of Earth and other planets. We underpin our intellectual mission with a comprehensive dedication to equity, accessibility and inclusion for all.

Under general supervision, the Staff Research Associate II will perform a variety of laboratory and field experimental procedures with a focus on geology and Earth and planetary science. This role requires expertise in geological research, fieldwork experience, and the ability to adapt and optimize standard procedures for specialized research needs.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: November 18, 2024 - Open Until Filled

Responsibilities

50% Support for Laboratory Science:

• Assist and support the current SRA III with laboratory operations, focusing on geological sample analysis and related procedures.


• Perform a variety of laboratory and field experimental procedures with a focus on geology and Earth and planetary science.


• Train department members (students, staff, faculty, and visitors) in geological sample preparation, laboratory safety protocols, and sample analysis techniques.


• Maintain and repair sophisticated lab equipment, including XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) machines, mass spectrometers, and particle size analyzers used in geological research.


• Manage recharge operations for faculty and researchers utilizing laboratory equipment, ensuring efficient and accurate billing processes.


• Adapt to new faculty and laboratory requirements by learning new equipment and techniques related to geological research and providing training as necessary.


• Work directly with faculty on research projects, supporting their specific laboratory needs and providing technical assistance.

25% Technical Support for Geological Field and Classroom Instruction:

• Oversee the acquisition, maintenance, and inventory of instructional field equipment, including sUAS (small Unmanned Aerial Systems)/drones for geological surveys.


• Supervise the maintenance of field vehicles (e.g., Chevrolet Suburban and vans) used for geological fieldwork and research trips.


• Coordinate with faculty and GSIs on geological field excursions, including active participation in multi-day trips (~15 days per year) for field research and instruction. Maintain equipment and may provide training in digital field mapping, global positioning systems, and laser surveying.


• Maintain optical microscopes and other geological instructional equipment used in classrooms, ensuring they are in good working order for educational use. Laboratory work will involve the practical study of minerals, rocks, and geologic maps and exercises on geological processes.

20% Laboratory Safety, Inventory, and Liaison with EH&S:

• Conduct yearly laboratory and field shop self-inspections specific to geological research activities, collate findings, and report them to Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S).


• Manage departmental relationships with EH&S, focusing on compliance with safety standards related to geological lab and field operations.


• Oversee and update inventory of geological laboratory samples, chemicals, waste, instructional equipment, and off-site storage related to field research and classroom instruction.

5% Professional Development:

• Attend trainings, workshops, and other professional development to stay up to date with industry standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.


• Familiarity with lab techniques and sample preparation processes.


• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and procedures, including chemical handling and waste management.


• Basic understanding of the functionality and maintenance of lab instruments like XRD and. XRF machines, with willingness to learn more advanced techniques on the job.


• Basic troubleshooting skills for lab equipment and machinery.


• Skill in managing lab inventories, including chemicals and equipment.


• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with faculty, staff, and EH&S.


• Ability to learn new equipment and processes as research and lab needs evolve.


• Strong problem-solving skills for both lab and fieldwork issues.


• A background or strong interest in geology or geophysics.


• Experience in coordinating field excursions, vehicle maintenance, and equipment management.


• Comfortable with multi-day field excursions and the logistical planning involved in geological field trips.


• Proficiency in fieldwork activities, including driving field vehicles and handling equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skill in managing lab inventories, including chemicals and equipment.


• Understanding of electronics, vacuum systems, and advanced machine maintenance.


• Proficiency in diagnosing complex issues in lab equipment or technical systems beyond basic repairs.


• Ability to effectively perform and oversee standard laboratory procedures related to geological research.


• Essential for understanding geological processes, sample analysis, and fieldwork specific to the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. A relevant academic degree or significant field experience is highly desirable.


• Proven ability to organize field trips, maintain vehicles, and manage field equipment.

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 $60,245.54 to $70,606.25 yearly ($5,020.46 to $5,883.85 monthly). This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.

Driving Required

A valid driver's license and DMV check for driving record is required.

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.

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.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.


To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=74205&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=21&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant