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Assistant/Associate Project Scientist – Evolutionary Cell Biology – Molecular & Cell Biology

Job #JPF05321
  • Molecular & Cell Biology / College of Letters & Science - Biological Sciences / UC Berkeley

Position overview

Position title: Assistant/Associate Project Scientist
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 Table 37 B. The current full-time base salary range for this position is $76,700 - $102,500 "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: Fall 2026
Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: April 1, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Apr 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, May 6, 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 Molecular & Cell Biology Department at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant or Associate Project Scientist in the Nicole King Lab, in the area of Evolutionary Cell Biology, Molecular & Cell Biology.

The King lab pioneered the use of choanoflagellates—the closest living relatives of animals—to investigate the evolutionary origins of animal traits. Recently, we uncovered evidence of sexual reproduction in the model choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta: under defined conditions, cells differentiate into male and female gametes. This discovery suggests that key aspects of animal gametogenesis may have predated the emergence of animals.

The successful candidate will characterize the cell biology and gene regulatory program underlying gametogenesis in S. rosetta. The King lab provides access to extensive culture infrastructure (multiple biosafety cabinets and incubators), DIC and advanced fluorescence microscopy and image analysis platforms, a flow cytometry analyzer, and a cell sorter. Completing this project will provide fundamental insights into the evolutionary origins of the animal germline.

Responsibilities:

The candidate will contribute to 3 main research axes: 1) developing transgenic lines expressing fluorescent gamete markers (CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, PCR, cloning, screening), 2) assessing gametogenesis in mating S. rosetta cultures (Flow cytometry analyzer, cell sorter, microscopy), 3) Sequencing and analyzing male and female gamete transcriptomes (DNA extraction, cDNA libraries, sequencing, bioinformatics). The candidate will devote their time to scientific research; experiments performed and conclusions made will be communicated through scientific seminars, lab meetings, and the publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

PhD (or equivalent international degree)

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

At least four years post PhD research experience

Preferred qualifications
  • PhD in cell biology, developmental biology
  • Demonstrated expertise in choanoflagellate cell biology, choanoflagellate genetics, and choanoflagellate culturing
  • Experience with methods such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, RNA-seq, live fluorescent microscopy, quantitative image analysis, molecular biology, flow cytometry, and bioinformatics
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals

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/JPF05321

Help contact: chrisastaikou@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