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

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)