Lab Assistant, Brook Lab

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice.

Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

The UC Berkeley Department of Integrative Biology studies biological phenomena at various levels of organization, ranging from molecules to organisms, populations, and ecosystems. As integrative biologists, we aspire to approach biological problems in a way that incorporates information across various levels of organismal organization. Much of our work is unified by evolutionary principles, in that all organisms share a history of descent with modification, inferred through their characteristics and mediated by natural selection.

The First Review Date for this job is June 9, 2026

• Perform standard laboratory procedures, including RNA/DNA extractions, following written protocols.
• Maintain the Madagascar field team database on Git Hub and perform monthly data curation and merges.
• Maintain records/inventory of standard laboratory stock at UC Berkeley and the Madagascar field site.
• Order, pack, and prepare field supplies for transport to accompany lab researchers traveling to the Madagascar field site. May include travel to Madagascar.
• Support the PI in interviewing/onboarding/training new technicians for the Madagascar field project. May include travel to the Madagascar field site.
• Support PI in organizing and conducting the annual R‑modeling workshop for Malagasy students (E2M2.org). Will include travel to Madagascar.
• Track lab spending, reconcile accounts, submit receipts, and support the PI with accounting.

• Able to perform repetitive work while maintaining attention to detail and precision
• Able to follow written protocols and perform basic laboratory measurements
• Ability to communicate and follow instructions
• Ability to navigate R, R‑Studio, and Git Hub
• Ability to maintain accounts and clean records
• Willingness to travel internationally to Madagascar, if needs arise
• High school diploma and/or equivalent combination of experience/training

• Prior experience/knowledge with Madagascar culture and/or language
• Prior field research experience
• Prior experience conducting white blood cell counts on microscope slides
• Coursework in biological sciences or a related field
• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of experience/training

This is a full‑time, career position.

This position is eligible for full UC 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 hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.75 - $27.87 (steps 1-3).

The University of California 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, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.