Research Associate At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world. At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups. We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence. The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) is a partnership between the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, San Francisco. The IGI envisions a world in which genome-engineering innovations benefit humanity and are accessible to all. The Institutes mission is to accelerate genome discovery and translation of resulting technologies in order to ethically and equitably improve human health and sustainable agriculture. Combining fundamental research expertise and biomedical talent, the IGI focuses on unraveling the mechanisms underlying CRISPR-based genome editing and applying this technology to cure disease, combat climate change, ensure food sustainability, and provide additional benefits for current and future generations. The IGI consists of four central programs: Human Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Advancing Genome Engineering, and Public Impact. Unlike the first three, the Public Impact program does not involve laboratory research but instead focuses on accomplishing the goal of IGI founder, Jennifer Doudna, to ensure that genome engineering makes the world a better place. To complement the laboratory work, the Public Impact Program places special emphasis on connecting the science of genome engineering to the world. The role of the Public Impact program is to engage in societal research, public and stakeholder engagement, outreach, and policy to align genome editing applications with societal needs and values, ensuring that benefits are ethical, accessible, and desirable. The Research Associate collaborates with a research team conducting molecular analysis of genome editing outcomes using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and other advanced assay-based techniques. This role involves the maintenance and expansion of sensitive mammalian cell lines, including iPSCs, and the execution of core molecular biology protocols to validate CRISPR-based therapeutic interventions. The Research Associate collaborates with a research team developing next-generation CRISPR-based therapeutics using various delivery techniques including, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery approaches. Projects in the lab focus on engineering and delivering genome editing systems to treat diseases such as Huntington's disease, pediatric glioma, and sickle cell disease. Under supervision, the position assists with molecular biology techniques including cloning, protein and RNP preparation, cell culture, and genome editing assays, as well as evaluating delivery efficiency in relevant cell types. Supports laboratory operations, including preparing reagents, maintaining organized records, and assisting with experimental workflows. The role will contribute to research activities under a supervisor's guidance while supporting the lab's mission to develop accessible and effective genetic therapies.
Responsibilities:
Conducting ddPCR and dPCR assays to benchmark and evaluate gene editing efficiency, including the quantification of indels, excisions, and inversions.
Maintenance and characterization of mammalian cell cultures, with a specific focus on iPSCs and HSPCs.
General molecular biology tasks, including genomic DNA extraction, long-range PCR, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
Data management, interpretation of results, and reporting findings in team meetings.
General laboratory support, including the preparation of peptide solutions and equipment maintenance.
Required Qualifications:
Extensive experience with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and data interpretation.
Proficiency in mammalian cell culture techniques.
Standard molecular biology skills, including DNA extraction and PCR optimization.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience writing and editing SOPs or quality reports.
Familiarity with and/or ability to learn CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing workflows and validation.
Strong data analysis skills using and/or ability to learn Microsoft Excel, R, or Python.
Education / Training:
Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Genetics and/or equivalent training/experience. (Required)
Salary & Benefits:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website. Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $30.12 - $32.82, Step 1-5. This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
How to Apply: To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
