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Lab Assistant (Part-time, 9603C) 77331

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 Department of Integrative Biology is a dynamic group of researchers answering important questions in evolutionary, ecological and functional biology in an interdisciplinary collaborative environment. IB shares rich connections with 4 natural history museums, and is a leading force in promoting field research and educational opportunities. We address problems relevant to human health and origins, the diversity of life, and biological interactions at all scales. Research integrates studies of natural history with genomics and phylogenetics.

The position is responsible for conducting field sampling, lab work, and data entry for the Eel River Critical Zone Observatory and the Dawson Lab. The duties include travel to field locations at the Angelo Coast Range Reserve and various California state parks and UC Reserves. Collects, sorts, curates and analyzes, and shares results from stable isotope analyses conducted on tree, water, soil, and plant samples as part of collaborative projects investigating seasonal changes in groundwater storage at the Eel River and physiology of plants across California.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is April 22, 2025

Responsibilities

• Conduct tree, water, soil and plant sample collection at Angelo Reserve and California state parks, follow field safety protocols.


• Lab work:prepare and wash bottles for field work, weigh soil samples, extract water from samples through cryogenic extraction and centriguge extraction, prepare and run samples in mass spectrometer for isotope analysis, use micro mill to mill precise tree rings for isotope analyses, use Soxhlet protocol for cellulose extraction.


• Collate and enter data, database organization and management, conduct mathematical/statistical analyses, communicate results to project collaborators.


• Oversee the training and quality of lab/field assistant work, helping the PI Dawson interface with his Co-PIs and their students on federally-funded research.


• Operation and maintenance of field equipment and the organization's vehicle, maintaining health of greenhouse plants.


• Other duties as needed (check supply levels, attend weekly meetings etc.).

Required Qualifications

• Experience with data entry and MS Excel


• Prior field work experience (preferable in areas of hydrology and/or biogeochemistry)


• Prior lab work experience- 1 yr or more


• Excellent time management skills


• Ability to work independently as well as part of collaborative projects


• Collecting, preparing a wide range of soil, plant, insect, and water samples for high precision isotope analyses (carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen)


• Ability to oversee the work of lab/field assistants, following protocols and quality standards


• High School diploma w/ 2 years experience or two years of college and 1 year lab experience

Salary & Benefits

This is a part-time (20 hours per week) career position.

This position is eligible for the full range of UC 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 $22.02 - $25.90 (stepped rates).

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

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Driving Required

Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

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 Disclosure

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/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=77331&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=21&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant