Research Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Staff Research Associate, Forest Pathology and Mycology Lab (9613C) 86797 About Berkeley

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 . 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

ESPM is an interdisciplinary department with a strong focus on resource conservation, where "resources" identify agricultural, natural/geophysical or cultural and societal resources. Many faculty members in the department strive to understand ecosystem functioning, often focusing on processes modified by global change, and in testing the efficacy of ecosystem management practices and of societal policies, that are formulated based on the better understanding of the ecosystems studied.

Position Summary

The Staff Research Associate 1 (SRA1) manages large-scale diagnostics projects involving a variety of tree pathogens that have significant ecological, societal, and monetary impacts in California. This position assists with the description of new pathogen species and conducts tests aimed at identifying effective biological agents against these pathogens. Primary responsibilities include laboratory work involving both traditional culture-based and DNA-based diagnostics, general lab management, and data collection. This role also involves limited fieldwork in wooded settings.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: June 29, 2026. For full consideration, please apply by the first review date.

Applications may still be considered through July 6, 2026.

Responsibilities

Culturing of fungi on Petri dishes.
Extract DNA using preprepared kits.
Amplify DNA using the Polymerase Chain Reaction using standard preset programs and protocols.
Submit PCR products to the sequencing lab at Berkeley.
Entering data in Word and Excel.
Required Qualifications

Experience with sterile culturing in a laminar flow hood.
Experience in aliquoting chemicals in a chemical hood.
Knowing how to load and run a microcentrifuge.
Experience with pipetting liquid in eppendorf tubes.
Knowing how to use Word and Excel (basic data entering).
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 wage that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $28.69 (Step 1).

This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
This is approximately 1,000 hours, or approximately 1 year, of a part-time, Limited [temporary] position eligible for UC benefits. The schedule features variable work hours, with an expected range of 22-30 hours per week, depending on need.