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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 Karpen Lab, in the area of chromatin biophysics and function.

The Karpen lab applies multidisciplinary approaches to study how chromatin self-organizes in the nucleus and how this self-organization affects development, health, and disease. We primarily utilize the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model for chromosome function in animals, allowing us to study chromatin phenomena across an entire organism at all stages of development. We use in vivo and in vitro systems, and a wide spectrum of experimental approaches, including live and fixed imaging, biochemistry, molecular biology, computational biology, genetics, genomics, and integration with physics theory.

This position will focus on elucidating how heterochromatin condensates are established in early Drosophila embryos, using a combination of in vivo and in vitro analyses. The goal is to understand the biophysical and cell biological components and mechanisms responsible for this dynamic process. This requires integrating single-molecule genomic analysis of histone modification distributions, in vitro reconstitution of chromatin condensates, analyses of biophysical and material properties in vivo and in vitro, and integration with physics theory and molecular simulations.

The duties of the position include:
• Carrying out genetic, biochemical, biophysical, molecular biological and microscopy-based experiments in research studying chromatin dynamics and functions in Drosophila, particularly the establishment and maintenance of heterochromatin condensates
• Designing, executing and troubleshooting experiments including but not limited to dissections, immunostaining, biochemical purifications and reconstitutions, advanced live and fixed microscopy and image analysis, molecular biology, and genetic crosses
• 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.