Research Associate (9613C), Innovative Genomics Institute #89172

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Departmental Overview

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) is a partnership between the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, San Francisco. The IGI envisions a world in which genome-engineering innovations benefit humanity and are accessible to all. The Institutes mission is to accelerate genome discovery and translation of resulting technologies in order to ethically and equitably improve human health and sustainable agriculture. Combining fundamental research expertise and biomedical talent, the IGI focuses on unraveling the mechanisms underlying CRISPR-based genome editing and applying this technology to cure disease, combat climate change, ensure food sustainability, and provide additional benefits for current and future generations.

The IGI consists of four central programs: Human Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Advancing Genome Engineering, and Public Impact. Unlike the first three, the Public Impact program does not involve laboratory research but instead focuses on accomplishing the goal of IGI founder, Jennifer Doudna, to ensure that genome engineering makes the world a better place.

To complement the laboratory work, the Public Impact Program places special emphasis on connecting the science of genome engineering to the world. The role of the Public Impact program is to engage in societal research, public and stakeholder engagement, outreach, and policy to align genome editing applications with societal needs and values, ensuring that benefits are ethical, accessible, and desirable.

Position Summary

The Research Associate collaborates with a research team conducting molecular analysis of genome editing outcomes using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and other advanced assay-based techniques. This role involves the maintenance and expansion of sensitive mammalian cell lines, including iPSCs, and the execution of core molecular biology protocols to validate CRISPR-based therapeutic interventions. The Research Associate collaborates with a research team developing next-generation CRISPR-based therapeutics using various delivery techniques including, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery approaches. Projects in the lab focus on engineering and delivering genome editing systems to treat diseases such as Huntington's disease, pediatric glioma, and sickle cell disease. Under supervision, the position assists with molecular biology techniques including cloning, protein and RNP preparation, cell culture, and genome editing assays, as well as evaluating delivery efficiency in relevant cell types. Supports laboratory operations, including preparing reagents, maintaining organized records, and assisting with experimental workflows. The role will contribute to research activities under a supervisor's guidance while supporting the lab's mission to develop accessible and effective genetic therapies.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is October 15, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

• Conducting ddPCR and dPCR assays to benchmark and evaluate gene editing efficiency, including the quantification of indels, excisions, and inversions.
• Maintenance and characterization of mammalian cell cultures, with a specific focus on iPSCs and HSPCs.
• General molecular biology tasks, including genomic DNA extraction, long-range PCR, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
• Data management, interpretation of results, and reporting findings in team meetings.
• General laboratory support, including the preparation of peptide solutions and equipment maintenance.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive experience with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Standard molecular biology skills, including DNA extraction and PCR optimization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience writing and editing SOPs or quality reports.
• Familiarity with and/or ability to learn CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing workflows and validation.
• Strong data analysis skills using and/or ability to learn Microsoft Excel, R, or Python.

Education / Training

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Genetics and/or equivalent training/experience. (Required)

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 that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $30.12 - $32.82, Step 1-5.

• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position is eligible for up to 4 hours/week of remote work within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.
• Occasional weekend work (up to 4 hours) will be required.
• 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 position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html

Misconduct

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.