Junior/Assistant Specialist - Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology - School of Public Health

Position overview

Position title: Junior Specialist 1-2 or Assistant Specialist 1-3 Salary range: The UC Academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table for current salary scales for this position, Specialist Series.
The current full-time base salary range for this position is $57,000-$73,200. "Off-scale" salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: July 2026 Position duration: This is a one-year term with the possibility of renewal, contingent on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: May 13, 2026

Most recent review date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Sunday, Jun 14, 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.

Position description

The Wolf Lab in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology within the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley seeks a Junior or Assistant Specialist to support research in gut microbiome biology. The mammalian gut microbiota is a complex microbial community shaped by diet, microbial interactions, and host factors. The Wolf Lab investigates the assembly and function of the gut microbiota using in vivo gnotobiotic mouse models and in vitro anaerobic culture systems. The Specialist will assist with ongoing research project efforts and work collaboratively with faculty, PhD students, and other laboratory trainees.

Under general supervision, the Specialist will support laboratory research activities by assisting with gnotobiotic animal husbandry and microbial culturing.The successful candidate will be a motivated biologist with the ability to learn new experimental techniques and develop troubleshooting skills through ongoing training.

Primary responsibilities include daily care and support of research animals housed in a germfree (gnotobiotic) facility. Duties may include maintenance of flexible film isolators and supply cylinders, colony management, cage cleaning and sanitation, routine animal observation, and collection of experimental samples, all in accordance with approved animal care protocols and institutional guidelines.

The position also includes bacterial culturing and the careful organization and maintenance of laboratory stocks. The Specialist will perform standard molecular biology techniques including DNA isolation, PCR, and sequencing library preparation, in accordance with established protocols.

Additional responsibilities include purchasing laboratory equipment and reagents, maintaining inventories, and supporting general laboratory operations. All duties are performed in compliance with University policies and are structured to support skill development and continued research training.

Lab :

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) program.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent international degree)

Preferred qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field
• Interest in microbiome research
• Experience in laboratory research
• Experience with caring for laboratory animals
• Must be organized and attentive to detail
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Willingness to learn new techniques

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link:

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About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley 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, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

Berkeley, CA

Required

Preferred

Job Industries

• Other