Technical Assistant (Joint Genome Institute)

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Technical Assistant to join their Lab Operations Team!

In this exciting role, you will support staff by performing routine laboratory maintenance tasks including washing, sterilizing, packaging, and distributing labware and supplies, as well as operating and quality-testing autoclaves and other equipment. Additional responsibilities include maintaining safety, cleanliness, inventory, records, and compliance with environmental health and safety regulations. A smaller portion of the role involves general lab assistance such as waste collection, restocking supplies, supporting shipping and receiving, monitoring safety stations, and helping with organization and cleaning as needed.

The JGI’s mission is to provide the global research community with access to the most advanced integrative genome science capabilities in support of the DOEs research mission to solve the world’s evolving energy and environmental challenges. The JGI supports projects in genome sequencing, synthesis, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and natural products in plants, fungi, algae, and microorganisms. This position is headquartered on the Lab’s main site at the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB) (Virtual Tour).

This position has an anticipated start date of February 2, 2026.

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams! 
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

What You Will Do:

• Perform routine laboratory tasks, including washing, drying, and sterilizing labware.
• Coordinate dishwashing, autoclaving, media preparation, and pipette tip filling/sterilization.
• Operate industrial autoclaves, washers, dryers, and water distiller systems.
• Package and sterilize pipette tips.
• Deliver clean and sterile glassware and plasticware to designated stocking locations.
• Notify the supervisor when equipment requires maintenance or service calls.
• Perform routine administrative tasks such as filing and photocopying.
• Conduct weekly autoclave quality testing using two approved methods.
• Monitor, collect, and replace sharps and broken glass collection containers.
• Assist the Storeroom Manager with maintaining storeroom inventory and shelf stock.
• Maintain laboratory sink supplies.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and organized work area at all times.
• Comply with environmental health and safety regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of all work performed.
• Prepare stock solutions and buffers according to standard protocols.

Additional Duties As Needed:

• Waste collection, supply distribution, freezer defrosting, and scraping of -80 degree freezers.
• Provide backup support for Shipping and Receiving Material Handlers.
• Assist laboratory managers with general organization and cleaning of laboratory areas.
• Monitor water stations and refill as required.
• Monitor all safety glass, glove, and shoe cover stations and restock supplies as needed.

What is Required:

• A minimum of 1 year of technical college courses or equivalent laboratory experience.
• Thorough understanding of routine laboratory operations, including maintenance of glassware, solutions, and supplies.
• General knowledge of routine laboratory protocols, including basic scientific skills to carry out standard laboratory procedures.
• Familiarity with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donning/doffing and incident reporting pathways (supporting team safety culture).
• Strong organizational skills, including an ability to work accurately with a high attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide excellent customer service in a professional service-oriented manner. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Must be able to perform the following physical requirements:
  • Lift and move up to 45 pounds
  • Kneel, walk, and stand for extended periods of time

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience using glassware washers and autoclaves.
• Good working knowledge of chemical inventory procedures and chemical safety practices.

Additional Information:

• Application Deadline: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a resume by January 26, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time, career appointment, non-exempt from overtime pay (hourly paid).
• Salary Information: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes and is expected to pay $22.15 - $32.25 hourly, for job code 724.2. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary 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 is 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. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. 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.
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Berkeley Lab does not provide visa sponsorship 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.