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Assistant / Associate Specialist - Plant Transformation and Genome Editing - Innovative Genomics Institute

Job #JPF05429
  • Innovative Genomics Institute / College of Letters & Science - Biological Sciences / UC Berkeley

Position overview

Position title: Assistant / Associate 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: (T24 B). A reasonable full-time estimate for this position is $65,800 - $91,100.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Summer/Fall 2026
Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: July 7, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Jul 22, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Aug 10, 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 Innovative Genomics Institute at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applicants for an Assistant/Associate Specialist in the Cho Lab, in the area of plant transformation and genome editing.

Departmental Overview:

The Innovative Genomics Institute is a joint effort between the Bay Area’s leading scientific research institutions, UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, with affiliates at UC Davis, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Gladstone Institutes, and other institutions. The IGI’s diverse group of leading scientists have powerful interdisciplinary expertise. They conduct world-class research, driven by the real possibility of using genome engineering to treat human diseases, end hunger, and respond to climate change.

In addition to our scientific efforts, the IGI is committed to advancing public understanding of genome engineering, providing resources for the broader community, and guiding the ethical use of these technologies.

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the IGI Plant Genomics and Transformation Facility (PGTF) Director, the Plant Genomics Assistant/Associate Specialist is responsible for establishing and improving plant transformation and gene editing protocols in major crop species. Responsibilities include producing materials for use in experiments, maintaining materials in growth chamber and greenhouse settings, and conducting experiments such as introducing DNA and RNPs into plants and regenerating plants via tissue culture and screening of target genes for editing efficiency. The incumbent is expected to contribute original ideas to advance PGTF research as well as conduct inter-laboratory collaboration, including the exchange of materials and information.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

A minimum of two years experience post-bachelors degree.

Preferred qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, or a related field, with at least 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience
  • Master's degree (or equivalent international degree) in a related field, with at least 1 year of hands-on laboratory experience.
  • At least one year of experience with plant tissue culture and plant transformation techniques.
  • Experience in Agrobacterium-mediated monocot plant transformation
  • Experience in plant care and greenhouse work
  • Experience with alternative transformation techniques, e.g. protoplast transformation and biolistics
  • Experience with standard molecular biology techniques: PCR; electrophoresis; western blot; microscopy.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Highly motivated and diligent work ethic
  • Excellent organizational skills (keeping track of schedule, paperwork, sample storage, and inventory).
  • General computer skills (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for keeping track of results and sharing progress.

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/JPF05429

Help contact: mjcho1223@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