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Junior/Assistant Specialist - Molecular and Cell Biology

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Position overview

Salary range: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Fall 2022

Position description

The Advanced Bioimaging Center (ABC) at UC Berkeley seeks a full time Junior or Assistant Specialist. The position involves being an integral part of a scientific team focused on biological discoveries through immediate applications of critical advances in imaging technologies. Under the general guidance of the PI, the candidate will provide research support by assisting in the operation and maintenance of a next-generation multi-functional adaptive optical microscopes and other pre-commercial optical microscopes. The candidate is not expected to have prior experience on these instruments, and training will be provided. The candidate is expected to work with users (students, post-doctoral fellows and faculty) from around the world to enable researchers to make use of advanced imaging technologies in their projects. The candidate will be an integral part of the expert team working together with computational scientists and biologists in experimental design to tackle complex biological questions in a quantitative manner. The candidate will participate in evaluating scientific proposals from potential ABC users for technical feasibility. The work will primarily be conducted at our facility in Barker Hall. Occasional travel may be required for training or conferences.

Responsibilities:

  • Operate and maintain a next-generation multi-functional adaptive optical microscope and other pre-commercial optical microscopes.
  • Assist with data acquisition using advanced pre-commercial microscopy systems to image biological samples ranging from cells in culture such as bacteria, mammalian cells, and organoids to intact organisms, such as zebrafish or mice, etc.
  • Work with and train ABC users (students, post-doctoral fellows and faculty) from around the world to enable researchers primarily working on cell biology to make use of advanced imaging technologies in their projects.
  • Work with post docs or staff scientists to perform routine maintenance and re-alignment/optimization on various imaging systems.
  • Be an integral part of the expert team working together with computational scientists and biologists in experimental design to tackle complex biological questions in a quantitative manner.
  • Participate in evaluating scientific proposals from potential ABC users for technical feasibility.
  • Communicate effectively in-person or remotely project progress with ABC staff and users in order to evaluate and optimize experimental results.
  • General organization and management of imaging facilities (inventory, ordering, safety, record keeping, etc.)

About the Lab:

The Advanced Bioimaging Center (ABC) at UC Berkeley aspires to be a world-leading multidisciplinary imaging center that drives important biological discoveries through critical new advances in all aspects of imaging technology and that drives the dissemination of that technology through a multi-pronged education strategy to scientists around the world. In order to maximize its scientific productivity, the ABC is designed to adopt groundbreaking imaging technologies, to bring technical expertise, and to build worldwide collaborations aimed at tackling challenges posed by terabyte and petabyte scale imaging data processing, visualization and information dissemination. The ABC allows for access to leading-edge imaging and computing hardware, as well as exposure to Bay area experts in a range of diverse disciplines, including in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Mathematics, and more.

Research Specialists are academic appointees in an organized bargaining unit and are exclusively represented by the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), AFL-CIO and its Local Union 5810.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor’s degree, enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program, or equivalent international degree

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Bachelor's degree, or equivalent international degree

Preferred qualifications

Degree focus in Physics, Biology, Engineering, or a related field
Experience with programming (LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, C++, CUDA)
Experience with electronics (make simple circuits, soldering, wiring, etc.)
Optical system design, operation and alignment
Must be able to lift and maneuver at least 40 pounds of weight and work in tight places
Willingness to learn new techniques/skills to improve efficiency/integrity of work
Strong organizational and problem solving skills, and the ability to analyze and interpret data
Ability to work and communicate effectively, both independently and as a team member, with students and staff, including individuals from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds
Must have excellent record keeping abilities

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion if hired at Berkeley (for additional information go to https://ofew.berkeley.edu/recruitment/contributions-diversity).

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF03551

Help contact: sup@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