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Assistant Specialist Step I-III or Associate Specialist Step I-IV - Microbiology - Department of Plant & Microbial Biology

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Position description

ASSISTANT SPECIALIST Step I-III or ASSOCIATE SPECIALIST Step I-IV
Microbiology - Department of Plant & Microbial Biology

The Department of Plant & Microbial Biology at UC Berkeley provides outstanding academic opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students. Our cutting-edge research by the world's foremost scientists is at the forefront of the latest advances in the biological sciences. Also known as PMB, we are proud of our internationally acclaimed research and teaching programs in both plant and microbial biology. We are regularly ranked as excellent for our academics and research at the top-ranked public university, UC Berkeley, where our mission is furthering scientific exploration for the public good.
The Seed Lab in the Department of Plant & Microbial Biology at UC Berkeley investigates the interactions between phages and Vibrio cholerae. The candidate will be responsible for independent research investigating the molecular basis of phage resistance in V. cholerae. It is anticipated that a broad range of techniques in high throughput genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and bacteriology will be used, including: RNA-seq, whole-genome sequencing, DNA cloning, protein expression and purification, growth and manipulation of V. cholerae and phages. A strong background with experience in biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy and microbial genomics, especially in performing and analyzing RNA-seq, is highly desirable.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (by the time of application)
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology or related field

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (by start date)
• At least 3 years of lab experience
• Knowledge of microbial genomics as related to transcriptional profiling, knowledge and technical experience with cloning, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, and other basic molecular biology techniques
• Broad understanding of equipment and technologies used in Microbiology or Molecular Biology research
• General computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn instrumentation software and sequencing data analysis software
• Cooperative, highly motivated and team-oriented individual with strong organizational and problem solving skills, attention to detail
• Ability to communicate with coworkers and interact and participate in group efforts
• Ability to train and supervise students and other lab assistants in experimental procedures
• Ability and desire to perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research
• Ability to interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist. Based on prior results, contribute to development of new research protocols and procedures or adaptation of existing protocols
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (by start date)
• MS Degree or PhD Degree, or equivalent degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology or related field
• Experience with NGS analysis, especially in performing and analyzing microbial RNA-seq and whole genome sequencing
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and live cell imaging
• Ability to write scientific manuscripts

APPOINTMENT
The anticipated start date for this appointment is Spring 2017. The initial appointment is for 12 months, with renewal based on performance and funding. This is a full-time appointment. This position reports to Professor Kim Seed.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position provides full benefits.

TO APPLY
Visit: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF01302

Interested individuals should include a 1-2 page cover letter describing their research experience and publications, along with a current CV, and the names and contact information of three references. Letters of reference may be requested of finalists. It is optional to include a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.

This position will remain open until filled.

Questions regarding this recruitment can be directed to Kim Seed at kseed@berkeley.edu.

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 http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html prior to submitting their letters.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - current cv

  • Cover Letter - 1-2 page cover letter describing research experience and
    publications

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 letters of reference required

Job location

Berkeley, CA