Assistant​/Associate Specialist - Transcription-Coupled DNA Repair and Genome Maintenance - Molecular and Cell Biology

Position overview

Position title:

Assistant/Associate Specialist

Salary range:
The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step  Table 24b for the current salary scale(s) for this series. A reasonable full-time estimate for this position is $65,800-$78,300.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start:
Early Spring Semester 2027

Position duration:
One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Open date:
September 8, 2026

Next review date:
Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:
Thursday, Oct 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant/Associate Specialist in the Mevissen Lab, in the area of transcription-coupled DNA repair and genome maintenance.

The Mevissen Lab studies the molecular mechanisms that coordinate transcription with DNA repair and genome maintenance. A major goal of the lab is to understand how cells detect DNA damage that interferes with transcription and how repair factors, RNA polymerase II, chromatin-associated proteins, and other factors cooperate to resolve these lesions.

The successful candidate will contribute to projects using biochemical, molecular biology, and cell-free experimental approaches, including Xenopus egg extract systems, to investigate transcription-coupled DNA repair and related genome maintenance pathways. The position will also include research-support responsibilities that directly support the lab's scientific goals.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities:
Under the general direction of the laboratory head, the Assistant/Associate Specialist will work closely with other members of the Mevissen Lab while providing independent input on the design, execution, optimization, and troubleshooting of experiments within the lab's research program. The position will focus on establishing and applying biochemical, molecular biology, and cell-free experimental approaches, including Xenopus egg extract-based systems, to study transcription-coupled DNA repair and related genome maintenance pathways.

The position will contribute to the lab's research program in several major ways:
1) designing, performing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biochemical and molecular biology experiments related to transcription-coupled DNA repair;
2) preparing, using, and helping establish cell-free biochemical systems, including Xenopus egg extract-based assays and related experimental workflows;
3) analyzing experimental results, maintaining detailed records, documenting protocols, and communicating findings through lab meetings, presentations, manuscripts, and other research outputs; and
4) supporting research operations that directly advance the lab's scientific goals, including laboratory organization, reagent and inventory management, safety/compliance documentation, and training junior lab members in specialized experimental techniques.

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree)

A minimum of three years of research experience after completion of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree)

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biophysics, or a related field, with at least 3 years of hands-on laboratory research experience
• Master's degree (or equivalent international degree) in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biophysics, or a related field, with at least 1 year of hands-on laboratory research experience
• Experience with mechanistic studies of DNA repair, transcription, DNA replication, protein-nucleic acid interactions, or related areas
• Experience with cell-free biochemical systems, biochemical reconstitution, or Xenopus egg extract systems
• Experience designing, performing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biochemical or molecular biology assays
• Experience analyzing, documenting, and communicating experimental results
• Demonstrated…