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Junior Specialist / Assistant Specialist - Department of Chemistry - College of Chemistry
Position overview
salary scale(s) for this position: (Specialist Salary Scales). A reasonable full time salary estimate for this position is $57,000 - $65,800, contingent on starting rank and step. "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.
Application Window
Open date: September 23, 2026
Next review date: Thursday, Oct 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Sunday, Oct 25, 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 Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a Junior Specialist or Assistant Specialist who will work in the research group of Professor Alanna Schepartz and support the research goals of the U.S. National Science Foundation Center for Genetically Encoded Materials (NSF C-GEM).
C-GEM is repurposing the ribosome, nature’s protein-synthesizing machine, to biosynthesize genetically encoded, sequence-defined chemical polymers and natural product-like molecules with unprecedented structures, functions, and activities. C-GEM’s goal is to transform the way scientists design and produce materials and medicines.
The primary responsibilities will be to design and execute the synthesis of small organic molecules of recurring need for C-GEM research projects under the guidance of C-GEM’s Scientific Managing Director. General duties include:
Designing and executing viable synthetic routes to access C-GEM monomers in the necessary quantities and optical purities
Purifying C-GEM monomers to acceptable thresholds (generally, >95%) via techniques including, among others, flash column chromatography, preparative HPLC, recrystallization, or distillation
Performing rigorous and thorough analysis, interpretation, and compilation of experimental data, including all characterization necessary for publication in high-impact journals
Maintaining clear documentation of protocols, analyses, and results
Preparing figures and text summarizing routes and findings for internal presentations and grant reporting endeavors.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) program
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree)
- BA/BS or equivalent international degree in Chemistry or a related field
- Post-baccalaureate coursework in Chemistry or a related field
- Experience in both academic and industrial research contexts
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
- Experience in multi-step small-molecule organic synthesis, including the preparation of bioactive small molecules.
- Experience in analyzing (e.g., via NMR or LC-MS) and presenting research findings in synthetic organic chemistry.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
- 3 required (contact information only)
Help contact: hsangera1@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.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment