Staff Research Associate 1 (9613C), Plant & Microbial Biology - #84141

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Departmental Overview

The Department of Plant Biology was formed in 1989 under the leadership of Professor Richard Malkin, from a nucleus of faculty members from the departments of Botany, Cell Physiology, Entomology, Genetics and Plant Pathology; these departments were eventually dissolved. In the mid-1990s, under the aegis of Chancellor Chang-Lin Tien, Professor Sydney Govons Kustu founded the Division of Microbial Biology together with Professors Bob Buchanan and Wilhelm Gruissem.

The addition of the Division of Microbiology and faculty from the reorganized College of Natural Resources created the Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, which continues to grow through recruitment.

Position Summary

The Komeili Lab Staff Research Associate participates in a project on the genetics and cell biology of organelles in magnetotactic bacteria. The candidate works closely with the PI to design strategies for evaluating direct and indirect links between magnetosome organelles and other intracellular structures in magnetotactic bacteria.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 02/18/2026.

Responsibilities

Conduct and troubleshoot experiments: The SRA will examine the impacts of various growth conditions on biomineralization and carbon metabolism in AMB-1.

• They will design amendments to growth media and measure cell growth.
• They will create mutants in key pathways related to biomineralization and carbon storage.
• They will design and build plasmids to examine protein localization using fluorescence microscopy.
• They will examine cellular characteristics using electron microscopy.
• Consult with supervisor to determine next steps.
• SRA will have weekly scheduled meetings with PI to discuss latest progress on research project.
• SRA will be expected to review and collate data prior to these meetings and present ideas for next steps.
• The purpose of these meetings is enhancing critical thinking skills of SRA, receiving feedback on progress, and strategizing the next steps of project.
• Participate in assigned laboratory maintenance tasks.
• Each lab member is assigned permanent and rotating tasks.
• Once trained, the SRA will be expected to maintain specific lab equipment such as eater baths, scales, or pH meters.
• They will also be assigned an area of the lab, such as the bench for protein-related experiments, to be routinely cleaned.
• Rotating tasks which each lab member is assigned include washing dishes, autoclaving of materials and waste, and maintaining test tube and pipette supplies.
• Attend and present at weekly group meetings.

Group meetings will have four distinct opportunities for participation by the SRA.

• First, are "roundtable" discussions where each lab member, including the SRA, will present their recent experimental progress including technical challenges and roadblocks.
• Second, are "research presentations" where one lab member will spend the majority of the meeting presenting on their project from a broader perspective including relevance, recent progress, and future directions.
• Each member, including the SRA, will be assigned to this task on a rotating basis.
• Third, are journal clubs where ne r multiple people, including the SRA, will present on latest findings in the literature.
• Finally, when not presenting, the SRA and all others, are expected to participate in discussions by asking questions and offering suggestions.
• The purpose of participation in lab meetings is to enhance cooperation amongst lab members, advance research projects, and improve scientific communication skills.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, DNA purification plasmid construction, etc.), growth and manipulation of fastidious microbes and fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience with magnetotactic bacteria, especially Magnetospsirillum magneticum AMB-1 is required. More specifically, the candidate will need to grow, transform and devise genetic tools for AMB-1.
• Experience with operation of anaerobic chambers and preparation of media for growth of anaerobic bacteria.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
• Bachelors of Science and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with carbon storage systems of bacteria and methods to examine them.
• Coursework in microbiology, genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Laboratory coursework in microbiology.

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 $27.85 (Step 1) - $29.67 (Step 4)

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• 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 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
• 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.

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.