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Junior/Assistant Specialist - Earth & Planetary Science

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Position overview

Position title: Research Technician
Percent time: 100
Anticipated start: January 3, 2022
Position duration: One year

Position description

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and scientifically curious Research Technician to work in the lab of Professor Jill Banfield at the University of California, Berkeley. The Banfield lab focuses on understanding the function of microorganisms within natural microbial communities, and how they contribute to biogeochemical processes in the environment. To do so, the lab employs multiple methods to study microorganisms in both lab-based and natural settings including high-throughput sequencing, metagenome assembly, and bioinformatic analysis of the resulting assembled genomes.
This position will support ongoing laboratory experiments for multiple projects where lab-based microbial communities are being cultivated and analyzed. The ideal candidate is an organized, creative problem solver who works well in a team environment.

Essential Duties:
• Prepare cultivation media and vessels for microbial cultivation.
• Perform microbial isolation, culturing, and passaging with sterile technique.
• Perform DNA extraction and PCR.
• Prepare DNA libraries for next-generation Illumina sequencing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Appointment: This position reports to Jill Banfield and will be working at the Innovative Genomics Institute at UC Berkeley. Jill Banfield is a professor of Earth and Planetary science at the University of California - Berkeley and is the director of microbiology for the University of California - Berkeley Innovative Genomics Institute. Professor Jill Banfield’s research group focuses on understanding how microbial communities impact biogeochemistry and nutrient cycling in natural and artificial environments using cultivation-independent approaches such as genome resolved metagenomics. Her work has led to a re-structuring of the microbial tree of life as well as the discovery of novel CRISPR-Cas based gene editing systems encoded within microbial genomes.
This recruitment will remain open until filled.

Berkeley is a Family Responsive Institution. UC Berkeley has an excellent benefits package as well as several policies and programs to support employees as they balance work and family.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) program

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree)
1-2 years previous research experience in a lab setting (experience obtained during undergraduate studies is acceptable and will be considered)

Preferred qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, biological chemistry.
1-2 years of experience working in a biological laboratory
Experience with isolation/cultivation of bacteria
Experience with cultivation of microbial communities
Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g. Cloning, PCR)
Experience with bioreactors or other continuous microbial culture systems
Experience in working with environmental microbial samples and non-model bacteria.
Familiarity with culture independent community analysis (Metagenomics)
Experience using sterile technique
Strong initiative, self-motivation, and capacity for creative problem solving
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to keep a meticulous lab notebook
Adaptability to work efficiently across projects and within a team.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF03206

Help contact: emartinez24@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley 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, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Berkeley, CA