Lab Assistant 3 (9602C) - #81871

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Departmental Overview

Department of Integrative Biology is a dynamic group of researchers answering important questions in evolutionary, ecological and functional biology in an interdisciplinary collaborative environment. IB shares rich connections with 4 natural history museums, and is a leading force in promoting field research and educational opportunities. We address problems relevant to human health and origins, the diversity of life, and biological interactions at all scales. Research in the Tarvin Lab (www.tarvinlab.org) integrates studies of natural history with genomics and phylogenetics. Specifically, our research aims to elucidate causal genetic mechanisms underlying novel traits, to characterize phenotypic diversification at macro and micro-evolutionary scales, and to identify factors that promote and constrain biodiversity. Current projects focus on the evolution of chemical defenses in poison frogs, flies, and snakes. This position will involve helping to set up and maintain a colony of poison frogs and conducting experiments and lab management tasks as part of poison frog research and experimental evolution research with Drosophila melanogaster. Our work couples a comprehensive set of physiological assays with high resolution genome sequencing and transcriptomics to unravel the mechanisms of chemical defense evolution.

Position Summary

Research in the Tarvin Lab integrates studies of natural history with genomics and phylogenetics. Specifically, our research aims to elucidate causal genetic mechanisms underlying novel traits, to characterize phenotypic diversification at macro and micro-evolutionary scales, and to identify factors that promote and constrain biodiversity. Current projects focus on the evolution of chemical defenses in poison frogs, flies, and snakes.

Results of the research contribute to foundational knowledge of animal physiology that can shape our understanding of evolution, molecular biology, and pharmacokinetics.

This position will involve animal husbandry for poison frogs and fruit flies in addition to conducting experiments and lab management tasks as part of poison frog research and experimental evolution research with Drosophila melanogaster. Our work couples a comprehensive set of physiological assays with high resolution genome sequencing and transcriptomics to unravel the mechanisms of chemical defense evolution. The position also includes other managerial tasks and research assistance related to research projects being conducted by graduate students, undergraduate students, postdocs, and the PI.

In addition to gaining hands-on experience in animal husbandry, genomics, and experimental research, this role offers exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration within the Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology. This position presents avenues for professional growth through the opportunity to attend seminars, lab meetings, and engage with experts across diverse fields.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 10/28/2025.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in the husbandry, maintenance, and record keeping of 70 isogenic fly lines and several species of poison frogs.
• Assisting in physiological assays and genomics of fly and frog populations.
• Managing lab inventory, ordering supplies, complying with institutional safety and animal care regulations.
• Assisting others in the lab with miscellaneous tasks.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a fly or frog lab (or similar husbandry experience).
• Highly organized and interested in learning new skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A knack for creative approaches to solving problems.
• Applicants for this position are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the positions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• An interest in pursuing a graduate degree in biology.

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 $25.39 (Step 1) - $30.21 (Step 5).

• 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 CV 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

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This position is eligible for up to 10% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

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.