Lab Assistant Berkeley Public Health

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.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , Principles of Community , and Strategic Plan .

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.


Departmental Overview

Berkeley Public Health (BPH) aims to improve population health, especially for the most vulnerable, through interdisciplinary collaborations, preeminent education, and transformational research. Established in 1943, BPH is a professional school on the UC Berkeley campus that comprises six academic divisions and nearly 30 research centers and programs.


Our department's values include social justice, health as a right, challenging conventional thought, embracing diversity, and creating meaningful impact. We honor our principles of community by centering and valuing everyone in our community; prioritizing prevention while remaining grounded in social justice; promoting safety and respect; practicing self-care and kindness; and remaining optimistic, hopeful, and committed to change. Learn more at: publichealth.berkeley.edu.


The Wolf Lab's microbiome research encompasses two primary areas: bacterial metabolism of dietary components and microbiota-mediated protection against infectious diseases, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Shigella. This work integrates human microbiome data, laboratory models, and computational analyses to investigate the roles of diet, microbial competition, and host factors in shaping gut microbiome structure and function.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: May 20, 2026


Job Summary

This position will serve the research team of Dr. Ashley Wolf in the School of Public Health. Under the general supervision of the PI, the lab assistant will be part of a team conducting microbiome research. This job includes daily care of research animals in the germ-free/gnotobiotic facility as well as experimental protocols. The lab assistant will assist and interact with others to investigate the role of the gut microbiome in protection against infection, as well as other microbiome-related research questions. The lab assistant will be given detailed oral/written instructions and is expected to seek help/clarification from a senior staff member when problems arise and/or a task is not fully understood.


Custom Scope

• The position is responsible for providing daily care of research animals within a germ-free/gnotobiotic facility and supporting associated experimental protocols.
• Duties include maintaining flexible film isolators and supply cylinders, managing animal colonies, verifying sterility conditions, and performing routine cage cleaning, sanitation, and animal monitoring.
• The role also involves collecting experimental samples to support research activities.
• In addition, the position supports laboratory operations by purchasing equipment and reagents, assisting with general lab management, and training new personnel in proper mouse handling techniques.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Techniques (5%)

• Perform molecular biology techniques, including DNA isolation, PCR, and sequence library preparation.

Animal Care and Experimental Support (65%)

• Maintain germ-free mouse colonies and conduct related experiments.
• Provide daily care of research animals within the germ-free/gnotobiotic facility and execute experimental protocols.
• This includes maintenance of flexible film isolators and supply cylinders, colony management, verification of sterility, cage cleaning and sanitation, animal observation, and collection of experimental samples.

Bacterial Culture (5%)

• Culture and manage bacterial samples in accordance with laboratory protocols.

Laboratory Operations (10%)

• Support general laboratory operations, including purchasing equipment and reagents, inventory management, and overall lab organization.

Training (5%)

• Train new employees and trainees in laboratory procedures, including mouse handling and general lab practices.

Professional Development (5%)

• Participate in workshops, trainings, and other professional development activities; may participate in committees, projects, and other service activities.

Other (5%)

• Other duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Strong problem solving skills.
• Thorough and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational, administrative and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with team members.
• Demonstrated laboratory research experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience caring for laboratory animals.

Salary & 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 the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.22 - $29.73/hr, Steps 1.0 - 4.0.

• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a 1-year, part-time (20 hours/week), Limited (temporary) position that is eligible for full benefits.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Technical Unit (TX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at:
  • The automatic conversion to career status, as provided in Section B.2. above, will not occur when: c. The funding for the position is one time funding, of eighteen (18) months or less.
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This is an on-site position at the University of California, Berkeley.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.