Lab Manager (9611C), Innovative Genomics Institute - #74268

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Departmental Overview

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) 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 and with the Supervisor, the Lab Manager is responsible for the management and technical support of IGI Plant Genomics and Transformation Facility. Expected to contribute original ideas to the research program including producing materials for use in experiments, such as the introduction of DNA and RNPs into plants and regeneration of plants via plant tissue culture. Plant species could include tomato, and other model and non-model systems. Maintains experiments in growth chamber and greenhouse conditions; leads undergraduate students. Oversees inventory management, supply orders, maintenance and acquisition of laboratory equipment, and coordination of lab safety efforts. Handles inter-laboratory collaboration, including exchange of materials and information.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 11/21/2024.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments to generate transgenic/genome-edited plants and tissue culture lines, including; plant tissue culture/transformation, media making, subcloning, DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing submission, bacterial transformations, genotyping.
• Contribute to collaborative projects and conduct original research to improve/expand transformation methods.
• Research involves consulting scientific literature, preparing plant donor material, making tissue culture media, performing transformations, and maintaining explants through various stages of tissue culture/transplanting to soil.
• Responsibilities include data collection and analysis, tracking the production of events, and transferring materials to collaborators.
• Independently determines best methods for plant transformation for a variety of species.
• Plant care to supply donor materials and pollination of plants.
• Regular planting, watering, pollination, transplanting, collection of donor materials, and other maintenance.
• Seed production and pest management as needed.
• Supervise undergraduate student(s) and provide technical training of IGI PGTF researchers and facility users.
• Provide training on equipment and supply usage, general laboratory maintenance, and experimental protocols as appropriate; guide research contributions.
• Maintain laboratory inventory & order research supplies.
• Monitor laboratory needs, purchase supplies through BearBUY and other vendors, receive packages and distribute/organize supplies.
• Monitor funds and coordinate with financial officers/analysts.
• Acquire new equipment; coordinating service of equipment.
• Research equipment/maintenance options, acquire quotes for equipment and services, submit purchase orders, schedule and oversee maintenance appointments.
• Coordinate with building management and arrange IT assistance for technical issues.
• Serve as facility safety officer.
• Ensure that lab members have completed required safety coursework and trainings.
• Maintain safety documents and chemical inventories.
• Attend regular laboratory safety/management meetings.
• Handle disposal of hazardous and/or regulated waste.
• Label waste materials and schedule pick-ups.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organization skills (keeping track of schedule, paperwork, sample storage, and inventory).
• Excellent lab management skills.
• General computer skills (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for keeping track of results and sharing progress.
• Extensive experience with plant tissue culture, transformation, plant care techniques.
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques: subcloning; PCR; electrophoresis; western blot; microscopy.
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience training and managing laboratory personnel.
• Experience serving as laboratory safety officer.
• Experience with alternative transformation techniques, e.g. biolistics and electroporation.

Salary & Benefits

This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) exempt career position, which is paid monthly and eligible for UC 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 annual salary that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $77,805.02 (Step 9) - $91,204.84 (Step 17).

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html
• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This position is eligible for up to 5% remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.