Staff Research Associate 2 (9612C) 54293 - Energy & Biosciences Institute About Berkeley
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Departmental Overview
The Energy & Biosciences Institute (EBI) is a research and development organization that brings advanced knowledge in biology, physical sciences, engineering, and environmental and social sciences to bear on problems related to global energy production. EBI represents a collaboration between the University of California, Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. EBI's multidisciplinary teams collectively explore total-system approaches to problems that include the sustainable energy production. EBI will educate a new generation of students in all areas of energy and serves as a model for large-scale academic-industry collaborations. EBI has three areas of emphasis that are critical to its mission:
(i) Research; (ii) Education & Outreach; and (iii) Entrepreneurship.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: June 19, 2023
Responsibilities
OVERVIEW :
The Coates Lab research focus is in the areas of anaerobic environmental microbiology, applied microbiology, synthetic microbiology, industrial microbiology, and bioenergy production. Microbial tools that could be in use include: anaerobic culturing of non-model organisms, microbial physiology, metabolomics, genetic engineering, computational biology, and proteomic analyses of a diverse range of microbial processes. Techniques include primer design, cDNA production, gel quantification and visualization, PCR and gel purification, clone library construction, genetic system development, genetic manipulations (knock-ins/knock-outs), next generation sequencing and analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), whole genome comparisons and identification of putative genes involved in metabolisms of interest. Analytical procedures in current use include: gas chromatography with thermocouple (TCD) flame ionization (FID), and mass spectroscopy (MS) detection; HPLC with ultra violet (UV), conductivity (IC), and mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) detection; kinetic phosphorescence analyses (KPA); UV-VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy; electron microscopy (TEM, SEM); electron diffraction (ED); X-ray diffraction (XRD); and X-ray spectromicroscopy (NEXAFS, XANES, and STXM).
This role will provide microbiological, molecular biological support to an environmental microbiology laboratory dealing with complex microbial metabolisms from a diversity of environments. The role will be expected to provide support on all aspects of molecular biology and development of genetic systems as required. The incumbent will be expected to provide some level of computational analysis support and independently perform synthetic biology projects as required.
Perform researcher role on assigned research project(s) (under the direction of senior researchers and the PI).
Maintain a lab notebook that is well documented and easy to follow. Data must be succinctly tabulated in a way that can be easily visualized by others, especially his/her supervisors. Compile data for posters, presentations, and manuscripts.
Assist with lab operations, including ordering and unpacking of gas tanks/supplies/reagents specific for molecular and microbiology research, management of laboratory safety and hazardous waste disposal.
Method development and SOP preparation of molecular and analytical procedures requiring familiarity with and application of a diverse range of molecular/analytical equipment including, but not limited to; nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, PCR, gel illumination, anaerobe chambers, HPLC, ion chromatography, and gas chromotography.
Mentor and manage undergraduate student intern/assistant.
Maintain Lab database and website.
Train lab members in anaerobic culturing technique, molecular microbiology tools, or analytical tools
Provide support on all aspects of molecular biology and development of genetic systems.
Required Qualifications
Experience with aseptic technique, microbial cell culture, and molecular biology
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Ability to prioritize and multi-task
Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience in development of new methods and writing standard operating procedures
Ability to function within a team environment and to work independently on specific projects as required
Flexibility to work altered schedule and overtime hours during special projects
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Powerpoint
Ability to present their work within the group and outside the group (posters at conferences).
Ability to oversee a team of undergraduate researchers.
Expertise in molecular biology techniques such as DNA sequencing, cloning, PCR, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and recombinant DNA technology.
Understanding of genetic engineering techniques and gene synthesis.
Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and techniques for the analysis and interpretation of large- scale biological data.
Bachelors Degree in microbiology, chemistry, environmental engineering, biochemistry, or an equivalent scientific degree and one or more years of work experience in a research laboratory.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of biochemical techniques such as protein purification, enzyme assays, and protein characterization.
Analyze and interpret complex biological data generated by experiments.
Masters in microbiology, chemistry, environmental engineering, biochemistry, or an equivalent scientific degree and one or more years of work experience in a research laboratory.
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 salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.07 (Step 1 ) to $43.54 (Step 25)
This is a 100% full-time (40 hours per week), career position that is eligible for full UC benefits. This position is non-exempt and paid bi-weekly.