Skip to main content

Assistant/ Associate Project Scientist- Condensate Biophysics and Cell Biology- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

Job #JPF05511
  • Molecular & Cell Biology / College of Letters & Science - Biological Sciences / UC Berkeley

Position overview

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 37B. A reasonable full-time estimate for this position is $83,700 –$101,200.
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: September 1, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Oct 1, 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/Associate Project Scientist in the lab of Dr. Gary Karpen, in the area of condensate biophysics and cell biology.

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.

The candidate hired into this position will focus on understanding the structural and functional interplay between two nuclear condensates, specifically nucleoli and PeriCentromeric Heterochromatin (PCH). This entails 1) in vivo analyses of condensate formation and dynamics in Drosophila embryos and cultured cells, 2) investigating the impact of mutations and other perturbations on condensate morphologies, interactions, and functions, 3) analyzing the impact of heterochromatin’s physical associations with nucleoli on ribosome production and export, 4) integrating physics theory and testing predictions experimentally, and 5) completing submission of manuscripts describing the key findings.

Responsibilities:
-Experiments management: Conduct imaging, genetic, and biochemical assays.
-Data management and analysis: Organize, back up, and document research datasets. Quantify imaging, genomic, and biophysical data.
-Protocols and safety management: Optimize and standardize experimental SOPs. Ensure EH&S and lab safety compliance.
-Reagent management: Track fly stocks, cell lines, and reagents.
-Equipment management: Maintain and schedule microscopy equipment.
-Presenting research and attending lab meetings
-Contributing to grant proposals
-Mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

PhD (or equivalent international degree).

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

At least two years of post-PhD research experience

Preferred qualifications

• PhD or equivalent international degree in Molecular Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals of research relevant to the job duties.
• Experience publishing lead-author primary research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience working with Drosophila genetics, development, and genomics.
• Experience working in the fields of heterochromatin structure and function, nucleolar structure and function, and chromosome biology.
• Expertise and experience performing biochemical purification of chromosomal proteins.
• Experience performing live and fixed imaging of subcellular structures and dynamics in Drosophila embryos and cultured cells, using confocal and wide-field microscopy.
• Experience with computational analyses of fixed and live imaging data.
• Track record of excellence in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, participate in efficient and open collaboration, and enjoy engaging with a diverse group of researchers.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with theoretical physicists to integrate experimental results and theory.
• Self-motivated, interactive, and meticulous approach to tasks and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Innovative and able to synergize various ideas and approaches, while exercising sound judgment to evaluate and take acceptable risks.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and present research findings (written and oral).

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/JPF05511

Help contact: gkarpen@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