Lab Assistant 3 (9602C), Berkeley Public Health - #84092

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 Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology Program intends to create opportunities for students to gain new and advanced knowledge about infectious disease agents and how they interact with host cells, human populations, and the environment. The goal is to improve public health by increasing our understanding of infectious diseases and human immunology through basic and translational research that contributes to developing new diagnostics, treatments, and methods to prevent or control diseases. The IDI Graduate Group is administratively managed by the School of Public Health at UC Berkeley.

Position Summary

A laboratory assistant position is available in the Harris laboratory, which works on the virology, immunology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of dengue and Zika. Dengue virus is a major public health problem worldwide caused by a mosquito-borne RNA flavivirus. Zika is an emerging virus in the Americas with severe neurological sequelae in newborns. Clinical and epidemiological studies are conducted in collaboration with scientists in Nicaragua as long-term partners in a region endemic for Arbovirus. The main purpose of the position is to assist in scientific projects at various levels and perform experiments with mice under the close supervision of the laboratory project manager and a postdoctoral fellow, respectively, and perform management, organizational, and operational duties in support of general laboratory functioning, such as procurement, inventories, and compliance. The position also includes management of procurement and logistics of supplies for field studies internationally.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 02/20/2026.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory management and international programs support, including ordering and shipment of supplies.
• Assist in scientific projects at various levels and perform experiments with mice under the close supervision of the laboratory project manager and a postdoctoral fellow.
• Management and maintenance of mouse colonies and/or protein production as needed.
• Supporting lab members with experiments, under supervision.
• Biorepository management and maintenance including shipment of samples to/and from collaborators.
• Other lab duties as assigned.
• Participation in workshops, trainings, and other professional development activities.

Required Qualifications

• Computer and database management skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• One or more years of research experience.
• One or more years of experience in laboratory techniques, such as sterile techniques, tissue culture, ELISAs, BSL2 Laboratory Environment.
• Willingness to work with mice (animal models).
• Interest in working in a fast-paced environment.
• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and three years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and two years of laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Requires training through EH&S for BSL2 work and in shipping of dry ice and biological materials (training provided by the lab or UC Berkeley)

Preferred Qualifications

• Self-motivated, energetic, and able to work with individuals from varied backgrounds.
• Knowledge of biosafety regulations.
• Experience working with advanced BSL2 techniques.
• Experience with protein purification techniques.
• Experience working with mice.
• Experience handling valuable patient serum samples.
• High-level proficiency in written and spoken Spanish.
• Experience working with Latin America.
• Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) in Biological Sciences or Health Sciences.

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 $26.66 (Step 1) - $30.31 (Step 4).

• This is an 18-month, full-time, temporary position at (40 hours/week).
• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

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: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/tx/index.html
• 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 recruitment has 2 openings.

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.