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Assistant/Associate Specialist - Phycological Specialist - University and Jepson Herbaria

Job #JPF05258
  • University/Jepson Herbaria / VC Res Museum & Field Stations / UC Berkeley

Position overview

Position title: Phycological Specialist
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t24-b.pdf. The current full-time base salary range for this position is $63,500-$88,000. "Off-scale" salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: February 2026
Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: February 11, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Mar 13, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The University and Jepson Herbaria at UC Berkeley seek an experienced phycologist to work in the Silva Center with the mission to develop, maintain and share documentation in the field of algal systematics.

The incumbent will be working as part of the International Bioeconomy Macroalgae Center (IBMC), funded by NSF and led by J.D. Coates, Professor of Microbiology at UC Berkeley. The work will focus on extracting and amplifying DNA from historic type and other herbarium specimens as part of our effort to understand the seaweed flora of California. The assembly of plastid genomes and exploration of nuclear sequences will be accomplished in collaboration with Igor Grigoriev, of the DOE Joint Genome Institute.

The Responsibilities of the Position include:
• Extract DNA from archival type specimens of California seaweeds.
• Design primers for use with historic algae specimens.
• Amplify DNA for next generation sequencing of plastid genomes and portions of nuclear DNA.
• Annotate and construct plastid genomes with the Joint Genome Institute.
• Collaborate on writing papers to report results.

Department: https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Master’s degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a Master’s degree program (or equivalent international degree)

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
  • Master’s degree (or equivalent international degree).
Preferred qualifications
  • Experience with extracting DNA from historic marine algal herbarium specimens, molecular techniques, DNA sequencing, analysis of plastid genome data.
  • Familiarity with museum curation, and seaweed systematics and nomenclature.
  • Demonstrated publication record in Phycology.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05258

Help contact: smarkos@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity 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 more information, please refer to the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment 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.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

Job location

Berkeley, CA