Lab Manager (9602C) - Guthrie Lab, Bioengineering Department

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.

The Department of Bioengineering at The University of California, Berkeley, was founded in 1998, following on the success of the joint UC Berkeley - UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, established in 1983. The department serves as the administrative home for our Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Engineering (MEng) degrees, as well as the UC Berkeley administrative home of the joint Master of Translational Medicine (MTM) and PhD programs with UCSF.

The Guthrie lab investigates the principles that govern microbial metabolism and signaling in the context of kidney homeostasis and disease using mass spectrometry, chemoinformatics, and molecular biology approaches.

This position involves a combination of animal husbandry, equipment maintenance, facility oversight, and support responsibilities. The role requires excellent organizational skills, the ability to anticipate and resolve potential issues, and meticulous record-keeping. Opportunities to contribute to research publications, present at lab meetings, and participate in career development activities are available. The Lab Manager/Animal Care Assistant oversees the maintenance of a gnotobiotic mouse facility and provide comprehensive lab management and research support. This critical role is essential to the Guthrie Lab's success in advancing research with gnotobiotic mouse models. It offers significant opportunities for career development in a collaborative and dynamic scientific environment.

The First Review Date for this job is: March 13, 2026 - Open Until Filled

50% Animal Husbandry

• Oversee and maintain gnotobiotic mouse colonies, including breeding, feeding, and health checks.
• Document and track animal census, new litters, and movement between cages and isolators.
• Ensure the accuracy of an electronic database for record-keeping.

25% Equipment and Lab Maintenance

• Build, modify, and sterilize gnotobiotic isolators and other equipment.
• Clean and maintain equipment and facilities to meet sterility and operational standards.
• Schedule and coordinate inspections, repairs, and warranty management for laboratory equipment.
• Develop and update standard operating protocols (SOPs).
• Train lab members on equipment use and sterilization procedures.

15% Lab Administration and Research Group Support

• Manage lab resources, including maintaining email lists, shared folders, and lab space maps.
• Assist with onboarding and offboarding lab members.
• Serve as the point of contact between researchers, building managers, and external stakeholders.
• Organize and oversee laboratory clean-ups.

10% Communication and Coordination

• Ensure timely communication of incidents among researchers.
• Maintain relationships with building management, department EH&S officers, and sales representatives.
• Manage lab email listservs and Slack channels for effective communication.

• Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Strong organizational and scheduling skills.
• Basic mechanical skills for equipment assembly and maintenance.
• Understanding of sterilization principles.
• Some knowledge of basic mouse husbandry is required.

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• 2-4-year degree in a biological science discipline.

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 salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.46 to $29.85 hourly; the full pay range for this title (LAB AST 3) is $27.46 to $32.67 hourly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Non-exempt and paid biweekly.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

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

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.