Microbiology Research Assistant

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Microbiology Research Assistant within the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences division.

This is an early-career Research Assistant to support laboratory research examining interactions among microorganisms, carbon compounds, and plants. The position offers hands‑on experience across microbial enrichment and isolation, molecular biology, microbial characterization, plant research, and experimental data collection while working alongside scientists in a collaborative national laboratory research environment. It could be an especially strong opportunity for someone early in their scientific career who wants to develop practical research skills in environmental microbiology and plant‑microbe science.

• Perform routine microbiology laboratory procedures, including microbial enrichment, isolation, cultivation, 16S‑based identification, and phenotypic characterization of environmental microorganisms using established protocols.

• Support plant research by performing routine experimental procedures and monitoring plant growth and phenotype.

• Prepare microbiological growth media, chemical stocks, and other laboratory materials, and perform routine DNA extractions.

• Conduct routine laboratory assays and accurately collect, record, organize, and maintain experimental data.

• Maintain microbial cultures, freezer stocks, and associated sample records and inventories.

• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks documenting experimental procedures and results.

• Support a safe, clean, organized, and productive laboratory environment in accordance with established laboratory practices.

• Monitor laboratory supplies and assist with inventory management, organization, and ordering.

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, chemistry, environmental science, or a related field preferred, or equivalent knowledge and experience.

• Rudimentary knowledge and skills in microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, or related biological sciences sufficient to perform routine laboratory procedures under direct supervision.

• Ability to follow written laboratory protocols, established procedures, and step‑by‑step instructions accurately and consistently.

• Ability to perform routine laboratory techniques such as media and chemical stock preparation, microbial culture or isolation, DNA extraction, PCR, microscopy, or related procedures, as applicable to the research assignment.

• Basic familiarity with laboratory instruments such as spectrophotometers, microscopes, PCR instruments, ion chromatography equipment, or similar analytical equipment, with the ability to operate equipment according to established procedures.

• Ability to recognize deviations from established procedures or expected results and bring them to the attention of the appropriate supervisor or research team member.

• Ability to collect, record, organize, and maintain experimental data and accurate laboratory records, including laboratory notebooks.

• Basic computer skills, including spreadsheets and software used for laboratory data entry, recordkeeping, or basic sequence analysis.

• Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with a supervisor and members of a research team.

• Ability to maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory workspace and follow established laboratory safety practices.

• Ability to recognize deviations from established laboratory procedures or expected results and bring them to the attention of the appropriate supervisor.

• Experience using aseptic technique.

• Experience culturing bacteria or other microorganisms.

• Experience with PCR and DNA extraction.

• Familiarity with microbial sequence analysis or 16S rRNA gene analysis.

• Experience…