Lab Manager (9612C), Innovative Genomics Institute - #82869

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Departmental Overview

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 Institute's mission is to accelerate genome discovery and translation of resulting technologies in order to ethically and equitably improve human health and sustainable agriculture. Combining the fundamental research expertise and the 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.

Position Summary

The position is an integral part of a dynamic research team dedicated to advancing microbiome editing and phage engineering. Our work addresses critical challenges in human health and environmental sustainability, with projects ranging from combating ESKAPE pathogens and disease-associated microbes in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and asthma, to reducing methane emissions in agriculture through microbiome-based interventions.

The Lab Manager (SRA2) position plays a key role in supporting and advancing these research efforts. Performs a wide variety of standard laboratory procedures independently, without the need for detailed technical supervision. Adapts, modifies, or develops new procedures based on available literature or prior experimental outcomes to meet the evolving needs of research projects.

Primary responsibilities include targeted genetic engineering of bacteria, isolation and cultivation of bacterial communities, microbiome manipulation, and execution of high-throughput assays. The SRA2 will also be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the lab, including ordering supplies and equipment, maintaining laboratory instruments, ensuring compliance with safety and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) regulations, and assisting in the training and supervision of undergraduate researchers and or work study students.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 12/16/2025.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for designing and conducting laboratory experiments, including cloning and propagating bacteria, to support the editing and isolation of bacterial strains within microbial communities, in collaboration with senior researchers.
• As needed, troubleshoot and resolve experimental or sample-related issues.
• Molecular biology: DNA/RNA extraction from microbial samples, PCR for microbial identification/quantification, Gel electrophoresis and restriction digestion, Sequencing techniques (Sanger, next-gen sequencing basics), Golden gate cloning, bacterial transformation.
• Microbiology: Culture and isolation of model and non-model species, growth of species in anaerobic conditions, enrichment of microbial cultures, measurement of microbial growth, antibiotic susceptibility testing.
• Organizes and maintains laboratory equipment, chemical inventories-including general lab chemicals, molecular and microbiology reagents-and laboratory data storage systems. Orders laboratory supplies and reagents, manages purchase orders, and negotiates discounts with suppliers.
• Oversees and ensures compliance with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) regulations.
• Trains and supervises undergraduates and junior laboratory assistants in standard laboratory procedures.
• Processes data including calculating transformation and targeted DNA editing efficiencies and generating graphs, figures and tables from that data.
• Generates reagents such as media and antibiotic stock for bacteria and phage editing as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Cloning experience.
• Microbial cultivation experience.
• Data Analysis.
• In depth knowledge of laboratory safety recommendations and requirements.
• Ability to effectively manage time and work on many concurrent tasks/ projects.
• Ability to keep a detailed record of experimental results.
• Laboratory Equipment knowledge and troubleshooting.
• Bachelor's degree in related area with 1+ years of experience and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Negotiating and communicating with suppliers.

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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $63,257.82 - $68,511.85.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

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 does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California 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, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.