Research Associate (Transgenic Mouse Support/Mammalian Gene Expression)

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology (EGSB) Division has an opening for a Research Associate to provide basic support to the Mammalian Functional Genomics Laboratory.

In this exciting role, you will contribute to the lab’s core pipeline focused on the generation of transgenic mice, assisting with mouse handling and breeding, embryo dissections, molecular cloning, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and general laboratory maintenance. 

This position has an anticipated start date of October 13, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Support the transgenic mouse facility, including (but not limited to) general animal husbandry, intraperitoneal hormone injections, embryo production and egg collection, microdissection, identification of pseudo-pregnant recipient females, and maintenance of mouse colonies.
• Serve as the primary personnel responsible for maintaining general laboratory operations, including dishwashing, autoclaving of glassware, routine maintenance of laboratory equipment, buffer production, and inventory management of lab supplies.
• Collect, sort, and process mouse embryos at various developmental stages for downstream applications, including staining.
• Maintain and update laboratory logs and review sequencing results to determine appropriate next steps. 
• Assist with genotyping procedures, including DNA extraction and minimal PCR analysis of mouse genomic DNA.
• Participate in molecular cloning tasks, including vector ligation, bacterial transformation, plating, and colony screens.
• Occasional weekend work required.

What is Required:

• A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Cell/Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related area and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR, bacterial transformation, DNA purification (small- and large-scale), restriction digest, and gel electrophoresis in a laboratory setting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues in experimental processes and perform analysis. 
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills, including the ability to organize and present analysis reports.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to work with an interdisciplinary research team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to organize technical and scientific information, and present research findings.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using computers and standard software tools (i.e., PC, Mac, Google Drive).
• Ability to work occasionally on weekends.

Desired Qualifications:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience with mouse animal husbandry and handling live rodents.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new laboratory protocols and technologies.
• Willingness and experience working with mice.

Notes:

• Application Deadline: For full consideration, please apply with a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter describing your interest by October 7, 2025.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time, non-exempt from overtime (hourly paid), 1 year (benefits eligible), Term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary Information: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes and is expected to pay $25.14 - $32.05 per hour for job code 381.1. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group (if applicable, and union contract agreement).
• Background Check: This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work Modality: This position will be performed onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, located at 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720. Starting May 7, a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
• Relocation Assistance: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• Eligibility: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or transfer now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.). You must be legally authorized to work in the United States to be considered for this position.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.