Junior​/Assistant Specialist - Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology - School of Public Health

Position Title

Junior Specialist 1-2 or Assistant Specialist 1-3

Base salary: $57,000‑$73,200 (full‑time). Off‑scale salaries may be offered when necessary.

100%

July 2026

One‑year term with renewal possibility, contingent on performance and funding.

The Wolf Lab in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology at the University of California, Berkeley seeks a Junior or Assistant Specialist to support research in gut microbiome biology. The lab investigates the assembly and function of the gut microbiota using in‑vivo gnotobiotic mouse models and in‑vitro anaerobic culture systems.

Under general supervision the specialist will support laboratory research activities by:

• Assisting with gnotobiotic animal husbandry and microbial culturing—maintaining flexible film isolators, supply cylinders, colony management, cage cleaning and sanitation, routine animal observation, and sample collection.
• Performing bacterial culturing and maintaining laboratory stocks.
• Executing standard molecular biology techniques (DNA isolation, PCR, sequencing library preparation) under established protocols.
• Purchasing laboratory equipment and reagents, maintaining inventories, and supporting general laboratory operations.

All duties are performed in compliance with University policies and institutional guidelines, and are structured to support skill development and continued research training.

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrollment in a Bachelor’s program.

Additional qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent international degree).

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field.
• Interest in microbiome research.
• Experience in laboratory research.
• Experience with caring for laboratory animals.
• Organized and attentive to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new techniques.

UC Berkeley 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, or protected veteran status.

Berkeley, CA