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The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant Project Scientist in the Heald Lab, in the area of evolutionary cell biology.

The scientific goal of the Heald Lab is to leverage amphibian systems to elucidate molecular mechanisms of cell division and size control, as well as the contribution of genome size and content to organism physiology. Unique and interdisciplinary approaches take advantage of cytoplasmic extracts prepared from eggs of the frog Xenopus laevis that reconstitute mitotic chromosome condensation and spindle assembly and function in vitro. To study mechanisms of spindle and organelle size control, a smaller, related frog, Xenopus tropicalis, has been used to investigate interspecies scaling, and extracts prepared from fertilized eggs at different stages of embryogenesis to study developmental scaling. This research has provided novel insight into cell division and morphogenesis, processes essential for viability and development, and defective in human diseases such as cancer.

This position will focus on a project examining how morphological changes at the subcellular level contribute to the very first steps of animal development. The transition from meiotic divisions in the oocyte to mitotic divisions in the zygote is one of the primary steps in this process. The goal of the project is to understand the regulatory mechanisms that drive this transition, and whether they are conserved across chordates, examining cell division dynamics in both Xenopus and Ciona species.

The duties of the position include:
• Carrying out genetic, molecular biological and microscopy-based experiments in research studying the early steps in embryonic development of chordates, including Xenopus frogs and the sea squirt Ciona
• Designing, executing and troubleshooting experiments including but not limited to dissections, immunostaining, advanced microscopy, molecular biology, and biochemical reconstitution
• Managing and analyzing data
• Pursuing publication of research in peer-reviewed journals
• Attending and actively supporting scientific seminars, workshops, team meetings and other venues for presentations of results
• Developing and maintaining collaborative research relationships
• Pursuing additional funding opportunities consistent with existing and future research programs and goals
• Developing and troubleshooting new related research directions
• Training and mentoring lab members

This position provides full benefits.

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.

Please refer to the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.

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.