Junior/Assistant Specialist - Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology - School of Public Health
The University of California, Berkeley
About this position
Position Overview
Position title: Junior Specialist 1-2 or Assistant Specialist 1-3 Salary range: The UC Academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table for current salary scales for this position, Specialist Series. The current full-time base salary range for this position is $57,000-$73,200. "Off-scale" salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: July 2026 Position duration: This is a one-year term with the possibility of renewal, contingent on performance and availability of funding.
Application Deadline
Open date: May 13, 2026 Next review date:Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Sunday, Jun 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description
The Wolf Lab in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology within the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley seeks a Junior or Assistant Specialist to support research in gut microbiome biology. The mammalian gut microbiota is a complex microbial community shaped by diet, microbial interactions, and host factors. The Wolf Lab investigates the assembly and function of the gut microbiota using in vivo gnotobiotic mouse models and in vitro anaerobic culture systems. The Specialist will assist with ongoing research project efforts and work collaboratively with faculty, PhD students, and other laboratory trainees. Under general supervision, the Specialist will support laboratory research activities by assisting with gnotobiotic animal husbandry and microbial culturing.The successful candidate will be a motivated biologist with the ability to learn new experimental techniques and develop troubleshooting skills through ongoing training. Primary responsibilities include daily care and support of research animals housed in a germ‑free (gnotobiotic) facility. Duties may include maintenance of flexible film isolators and supply cylinders, colony management, cage cleaning and sanitation, routine animal observation, and collection of experimental samples, all in accordance with approved animal care protocols and institutional guidelines. The position also includes bacterial culturing and the careful organization and maintenance of laboratory stocks. The Specialist will perform standard molecular biology techniques including DNA isolation, PCR, and sequencing library preparation, in accordance with established protocols. Additional responsibilities include purchasing laboratory equipment and reagents, maintaining inventories, and supporting general laboratory operations. All duties are performed in compliance with University policies and are structured to support skill development and continued research training. Lab: https://www.awolflab.com/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications(required at time of application)Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent international degree) program. Additional qualifications(required at time of start)Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent international degree) Preferred qualificationsA Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field Interest in microbiome research Experience in laboratory research Experience with caring for laboratory animals Must be organized and attentive to detail Strong written and oral communication skills Willingness to learn new techniques
Application Requirements
Document requirementsCurriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Reference requirements 3-5 required (contact information only) Apply link:https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05355 Help contact:michelle1@berkeley.edu